Miguel Barredo
Miguel Barredo is a legal professional specializing in M&A transactions in the financial sector. He is also lead counsel in the insurance practice of the company where he works. He defines himself as a hard-working and intellectually curious person, so it’s not surprising that his efforts have seen him awarded the Best Young Lawyer award by Expansión. We spoke to him about his experience at IE Law School and what it has given him.
"In the one year of this master’s I learned more than in the five years of my bachelor’s degree. Not only did I gain more knowledge, I also gained skills that aren’t always taught in universities, such as problem-solving."
Recognition of a successful track record
I am from Monforte de Lemos, a small town in the province of Lugo. I studied law and then continued my education with the Máster en AsesorÃa JurÃdica de Empresas, which is now integrated into the Doble Máster en AbogacÃa y Procura + AsesorÃa JurÃdica de Empresas (LL.M.) at IE Law School. After finishing my master's 10 years ago, I joined Clifford Chance in Madrid, where I currently work as counsel in the Corporate/M&A department.
IE Law School’s program gave me both knowledge and a practical vision of the practice of law. This was very useful for me as it complemented the theoretical education I had received at university. The master's helped me stand out to large national and international law firms and did a lot to facilitate my access to their selection processes.
Why did you choose IE Law School to study your master’s?
I had several references from friends and acquaintances, but the practical, business-focused approach to law and the high quality of the program faculty were decisive factors in making my decision.
What goals or aspirations led you to pursue this master’s and this specialization?
I have never been an overly ambitious person, but I remember that it was clear to me that I wanted to work in the Commercial Law department of a large firm, preferably an international one.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced during the master’s or your professional career? How have you overcome them?
The biggest and most common challenge is to manage complex M&A transactions with a multi-jurisdictional scope. These operations usually involve multiple parties, whose interests are not always aligned. Lawyers have to contribute to ensure that all the pieces fit together as much as possible to reach a successful conclusion.
How do you think the education and experiences you had in the master’s prepared you for your current position? Is there any particular aspect of IE Talent & Careers’ services that you found especially beneficial?
The master’s has made a very important contribution to my career, both in its early years, when what I learned in the program allowed me to be a little ahead of the firm’s technical knowledge, and in the years since. In particular I consider its practical vision, and the methodology of asking questions to solve problems that’s integral to the program, to be very useful tools for the career of any lawyer.
How does it feel to have received the Best Young Lawyer award by Expansión? How would you describe the excitement of being recognized for your achievements?
I’m very proud. Ours is a competitive profession that requires perseverance, dedication and hard work. The award to the Best Young Lawyer awarded by Expansión is a recognition of the work of all these years and, more importantly, one that comes from a panel made up of some of the most prestigious colleagues in the profession.
What impact do you think this award will have on your career?
I think it will help reinforce my public profile in the market. Although many of us already know each other in this profession, the award will help me improve my visibility in front of clients and other colleagues.
What advice would you give someone who’s considering pursuing this program?
First, think carefully about what your preferred career path is among the many possible for a law student. Secondly, if you want to study this program, you should do everything you can to make the most of it.
How would you summarize your experience as a student at IE Law School?
I usually say that in the one year of this master’s I learned more than in the five years of my bachelor’s degree. Not only did I gain more knowledge, I also gained skills that aren’t always taught in universities, such as problem-solving.
Photos: "Expansión (J.M. Cadenas)"
