Léa Silveira

When Léa Silveira first set her sights on higher education, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to study. Architecture, design, business and law were all on the table, as were several combinations of these areas. But when she came across IE University, something clicked. The diverse curriculum, international environment and vibrant setting in Madrid made it feel like the perfect fit. And with several dual degree options, it certainly aligned with her path. 

Now, after four years in the Dual Degree in Business Administration + Laws, with just one year to go, she has no doubts that she made the right choice. What drew Léa to the program was its flexibility. The freedom to explore different paths was key in helping her discover a deep passion—one that’s now guiding her toward a purpose-driven career at the intersection of law and business.

As she’s progressed through the program, Léa has found real value in the way it integrates two complex and interconnected fields. As she sees it, business and law are deeply intertwined, which means that being able to work across both fields gives her a professional advantage. The program has not only provided her with two distinct sets of skills but also taught her how to combine them, offering a broader, more strategic perspective.

Now that she’s entering her final year, Léa is ready to focus more deeply on legal studies, having completed most of her business coursework. She’s also preparing to write two thesis projects—one for each discipline. Rather than being daunted by the challenge, she sees it as an opportunity to sharpen her legal mindset and dig into topics she’s passionate about. "What I hope to develop most is a stronger legal mindset, being able to approach problems from a legal perspective while still understanding the business context behind them," she explains. Léa knows the year ahead will help refine her analytical and research abilities, as well as soft skills like communication. "I’m genuinely excited for what’s to come."

As she gears up for it, Léa’s academic journey has already included a major highlight: winning the prestigious CCBE Amicus Curiae Brief Contest. Open to law students and even apprentice lawyers across Europe, the competition gave her a chance to apply everything she had learned at IE University to a real-world legal issue. Her brief focused on the arrest and prosecution of two Zimbabwean lawyers in the course of their duties, using their case to spotlight broader threats to the rule of law. "I argued that the independence of the legal profession is a key pillar of the rule of law and must be protected from interference, threats or retaliation."

The deliberate absence of detailed rules or instructions was both an opportunity and a challenge that only made the competition more interesting. Léa believes what truly made her brief stand out was how she referenced both national and international legal frameworks to back each and every argument. "IE University’s comparative and practice-oriented approach really prepared me for this," she notes. The solid foundation allowed her to think critically, write persuasively and take on legal matters—even in a foreign jurisdiction—with a confident, global mindset. 

In the end, Léa came in first place in the prestigious, EU-wide competition. As part of her win, the experience culminated in an unforgettable, funded trip to Bordeaux for the award ceremony. Léa enjoyed the gala dinner on the night before the ceremony, where she got to network with presidents of bar associations and legal professionals from all over Europe. The next day, she delivered a speech in front of them all—a moment she describes as both "nerve-wracking and incredibly rewarding."

"The entire experience in Bordeaux was truly special, from the award itself, to the inspiring people I met, the warm hospitality, the atmosphere and the chance to deliver a speech in front of such a distinguished audience," she adds. Through this opportunity, she was able to leverage all the knowledge and skills she’d gained in her dual degree program, contribute to a topic she cares deeply about, expand her network and represent IE University successfully on the world stage.

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the US, pass the bar there, and explore opportunities either abroad or back in Europe. Thanks to IE University’s international perspective and the comparative law methodology employed throughout her dual degree program, she feels well-prepared for a legal career that spans borders and adapts to different jurisdictions.

When asked to sum up her experience, Léa offers this phrase: "Driven by curiosity, shaped by purpose." It’s a fitting reflection of her evolution from a student unsure of her direction to a confident future business and legal professional with a clear vision. Shaped by her determination, curiosity and global outlook, Léa’s journey at IE University is just the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful and impactful career.