Cristina Carreras
I was born in Zaragoza, a vibrant Spanish city which lies more or less halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. Law was not a dream of mine growing up, as I was never exposed to the legal world, but after my time as an undergraduate at IE University, I became fascinated by it. I consider myself a curious, passionate and hard-working person. In addition to my newfound passion for law, I also enjoy music, travel, art and gastronomy.
"We, as lawyers, need not only to be aware of the existence of those [legal] differences but also understand them and have a sensitivity to them."
How a Chance Discovery Led to a Career in Tax Law
Cristina Carreras explains how her plan to carve a path for herself in the business world has instead led her to discover a passion for law. When she joined IE University to study the Dual Degree In Business Administration + Laws undergraduate program, her sights were set squarely on a corporate career. The law component was just her wanting to “complement my business degree with another useful area,” as she puts it.
It was during her time pursuing this dual degree that she began to see her objectives shift toward a legal career, namely in the field of tax law. As part of the program, Cristina sought internships that would allow her to experience the day-to-day life of a tax lawyer, before committing to a decision about her future. After several summer internships at law firms, she knew that her future would include a career in tax law.
With that decision made, Cristina completed her undergraduate studies and opted to undertake a master of laws program with a specialization in tax law: the Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Fiscal de Empresas (LL.M.). The choice to continue her studies at IE University was an easy one, given her appreciation for the practical approach that IE Law School is known for. The master program, as she explains, helps students tackle “real-world problems and look for solutions [by themselves], while being guided by the best professionals in the field.”
In addition to this educational approach, which has helped her feel ready to enter the job market, Cristina is also impressed by how the overall environment provided at IE University drives students to achieve their goals. She views the school as a place where learning is nurtured: “You can have the seed of the most beautiful flower or the most delicious fruit, [but] if it is not planted in the right environment, it will probably never bloom, regardless of its potential.”
At IE Law School, Cristina has found the perfect environment to thrive. One of her highlights are the inspiring talks delivered at IE Tower by industry leaders, including a recent one by none other than Open AI’s Sam Altman. Plus, there are all the databases, resources and other networking opportunities made available to all students, while those pursuing law are invited to get involved with the prestigious legal challenge. For Cristina, who has experienced these events firsthand, they “shape us as people and professionals, as well as help us grow, be aware and be part of the real-world developments and challenges.”
Another element of the program that Cristina has found to be particularly enriching is the diverse mix of her cohort. As she explains, studying law in a multicultural setting brings various perspectives to the table that are hugely beneficial to the learning process: “Law, at the end of the day, reflects society and we see that everyday.” Cristina is well aware of the increasingly international nature of the legal field and all the disparities that brings: “We, as lawyers, need not only to be aware of the existence of those differences but also understand them and have a sensitivity to them.”
Making the leap into the professional world is naturally a challenging process filled with uncertainty, which is why Cristina has been so grateful for the support provided: “IE University really helps us, not only inside the classroom but also outside, supporting students with their technical and personal preparations for selection processes, guiding us throughout the journey.” Indeed, she has been fortunate enough to land an internship with Pérez-Llorca, one of Spain’s top law firms, and hopes to remain with the company after she graduates from the program, “in order to work and keep on educating myself as a lawyer.”
Addressing prospective students of the Doble Máster en Acceso a la Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Fiscal de Empresas (LL.M.), Cristina encourages them to “be open to meeting new people, learning from them and, of course, making new friends that can and will push you toward your full potential.” She is also quick to point out the expertise of the faculty, calling them some of the “best, most experienced professionals in the field who can teach you everything you need to know about law. Most importantly, everything that is not in the books.” Lastly, she urges prospective students to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities outside the classroom, which will help make their experience at IE University “wholesome, enriching and unique.”
