Federico Barrios
I like to think that I’m a young—or at least, young at heart—but an experienced corporate attorney. I’m a devoted family man who finds inspiration not only in the intricacies of the legal practice but also in the joy of fatherhood and raising a family with my wife. As a tech-savvy person who likes to take an innovative approach to life and work, I´m constantly trying to keep up with tech development. Most recently, I’ve set my mind on learning to code in order to create solutions that facilitate my day-to-day work.
“I’m on a career path to become a partner of a top-tier law firm, and I firmly believe that with strong effort and the tools and platform provided by the Executive LL.M., I will achieve that soon.”
On an endless mission to learn and innovate
Federico Barrios is a naturally curious person who says he is always trying to improve his craft and learn new things. Since receiving his license to practice law in his home country of Nicaragua in 2012, he has been on a continuous journey of improvement in his professional skills. Now, that learning path has brought him to the Executive LL.M. at IE University.
Before embarking on his journey with us, Federico already had more than ten years of law experience under his belt. He has worked his way up from an associate to the director of the corporate practice of his current firm in Nicaragua, and his goal is to become a partner of a top-tier law firm. “I firmly believe that with a strong effort and the tools and platform provided by the Executive LL.M., I will achieve that soon,” he says.
But what drives Federico most is not his career or even his love of learning—it’s his family. He shares: “My second child was born just three weeks after I came back from the first period of study in Madrid. Now, most of my decisions are aimed at enjoying parenthood and providing and caring for my wife and kids.” What better motivation could he find for pursuing an impactful, meaningful career in law?
When asked why he chose to study the Executive LL.M. at IE University, Federico revealed that he had dreamed of joining this program since he first learned about it twelve years ago. He always knew he would eventually pursue a master’s degree in law, but the blended format of this program made it more accessible for him.
Add to that the chance to study at not one, but two world-class institutions, with the partnership between IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and it was an opportunity Federico couldn’t pass up. When the moment finally came to elevate his career and pursue an LL.M., he enrolled right away.
During his time so far at IE University, Federico has noticed several distinct advantages that come with the Executive LL.M. Firstly, he appreciates that although the degree is delivered in a blended learning format, the academic quality and learning experience are in no way compromised. Additionally, he values the strong background in finance and administration provided by IE University.
The unique approach that IE University takes to the study of law, through our Comparative Law methodology and the focus on real-world case studies, is another plus. Federico comments that it has made him question everything he has learned in the past and look at every case through a new lens.
An additional benefit for Federico has come in the form of the multicultural community he has found through the program. The opportunity to meet and learn from so many professionals from such a vast array of countries, cultures, and backgrounds has been invaluable. He describes the connections he’s made at IE University as friendships he will cherish for life.
To future students, Federico says to “Do it and be ready for it.” He notes that students must be willing to devote a significant amount of time to classes, studying, tests, forum writing and reading in general. But the learning gained makes everything worthwhile.
Although his time in Madrid was extremely hectic, Federico wouldn’t change any of it. “I treasure and miss every minute of it— both the learning and the friends I made.” Federico is truly making the most of his IE Experience, and we look forward to seeing how high he can soar.