Joyce Abi Abboud
My professional journey started with my admission to the Beirut Bar Association in 2019. I completed my bachelor’s degree in law in Lebanon, and during my studies I had the privilege of participating in the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. That was a pivotal moment for me, as it sparked my interest in the intricate world of international legal affairs. I’m really grateful for the experiences that have shaped my career so far—each step has been a meaningful chapter that has contributed to my growth.
"Choosing the Executive LL.M is not just another educational step; it's a transformative journey pushing you beyond conventional learning."
Building connections and developing skills for an international career in law
Joyce Abi Abboud was already making her mark on the legal world when she embarked on the Executive LL.M. at IE University. With a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in international contract law under her belt, she has spent her professional life building strong foundations in various aspects of law. She spent five years at an esteemed law firm in Beirut, where she specialized in the corporate and commercial fields at both national and regional levels.
The next stage of Joyce’s career took her to Qatar, where she currently works as a corporate structuring associate. She says that her current work is allowing her to broaden her horizons and contribute to the thriving legal landscape of the region. However, driven by a desire for continuous growth and learning, she recognized the need to expand her knowledge beyond the confines of traditional legal education.
When she came across the Executive LL.M. at IE University, Joyce was immediately drawn to the program, especially since it offers a joint degree in partnership with the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. It seemed like the perfect natural progression in her professional development: “This unique program not only provides a comprehensive understanding of different fields of law but also delves into essential areas of business and finance—crucial components of a lawyer's daily work that are often overlooked in traditional legal education.”
Reflecting on her experience in the Executive LL.M. so far, Joyce says that it has had an incredible impact on her. She appreciates the immersive educational experience and the international network she has been able to build. She is extremely grateful for the wisdom that she has gained from the highly experienced faculty.
Looking back specifically at the time she spent in Madrid for the initial in-person period of the program, Joyce appreciates the opportunity that it gave her to connect with such a diverse group of colleagues. She notes, “The program encourages a sense of community, allowing us to share insights, collaborate on projects, engage in discussions that enrich our learning experience, and most importantly, build beautiful relationships.”
When asked for her advice for anyone thinking about embarking on the Executive LL.M. at IE University, Joyce says that she strongly recommends seizing this opportunity: “It’s a transformative journey that pushes you beyond conventional learning.” For Joyce, the program offers more than just a classroom education; it introduces a new way of thinking and broadens your skills and insights. “It's an immersive experience where you share and learn from individual and professional stories.” She says she is excited to see what comes next—and so are we.