18/07/2023
The Executive LL.M. prepares students for international legal practice, molding them into the skilled, knowledgeable lawyers of the future the sector needs.
Globalization affects every facet of modern life and the legal field is no exception. Our new, interconnected world requires a new type of legal practitioner; one who is well-versed in multijurisdictional legal frameworks and norms in professional practice, ethics and standards. As more and more law firms redefine themselves to both meet the needs of international clients and stay competitive in the global marketplace, IE Law School remains at the forefront of providing legal education that is relevant to today’s world—and few programs are more suited for ambitious, business-minded lawyers than the Executive LL.M.
What is the Executive LL.M.?
The Executive LL.M. is an unparalleled academic journey that offers students the chance to upskill through an expert combination of innovative legal training and advanced business know-how. Offered jointly by the renowned IE Law School and the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, it sets the stage for a global career focused on cross-border legal practice.
This multidisciplinary program takes a comparative approach to law that equips students to expertly serve international clients in different legal jurisdictions.
However, what makes it so unique is its focus on corporate law. Students are trained in the intricacies of business administration, corporate finance, financial accounting, marketing and strategy to provide a holistic, well-rounded education.
As such, the Executive LL.M. attracts some of the best legal minds in the world. Countless accomplished students, like Marc-Philipp Wiesenberg, have passed through its doors on their way to a thriving, multinational practice.
Experiencing the Executive LL.M.
Marc-Philipp has built an impressive professional profile over the last decade. A combined interest in law, leadership, management and “the dynamic nature of multinational corporations” led Marc-Philipp to the Executive LL.M. As he explains, “This program aligned perfectly with my professional goals and aspirations as it provided me with valuable insight into the field of corporate law and allowed for a broader network within the industry.” And after experiencing IE Law School’s richly diverse classrooms and engaging faculty, this ambitious lawyer is sure he made the right choice.
For Marc-Philipp, the most important element of the program was its spotlight on business law in the US: he believed this knowledge would enrich the legal advice he offered his clients in the US as part of his role as senior projects associate at global law firm Hogan Lovells. This, coupled with the chance to study in both Madrid and Chicago and to network with other high-level practitioners in multinationals across the world, helped Marc-Philipp gain a broader picture of the international legal landscape.
Why study the Executive LL.M.?
With several law programs to choose from, why should you pursue this master’s degree at IE Law School? Well, apart from academic rigor and lifelong connections, Marc-Philipp and other alumni say the Executive LL.M. unlocks a whole spectrum of benefits and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
1. Learn from the best
This program boasts a world-class faculty of practitioners who are leaders in their fields. For most students, these professors are the defining point of the Executive LL.M. experience. “[They] really took the lead in making each course a truly special experience,” says Marc-Philipp, adding, “Their dedication to teaching and expertise was evident in every lecture and discussion.” A result of this passion is that students are able to beef up their legal knowledge and learn to “think critically, question assumptions and consider different perspectives,”—all skills that foster intellectual curiosity and lead to professional growth.
2. Partner with a top law school in the US
The Executive LL.M. is a joint program developed by legal experts at both IE Law School and Northwestern Law. The collaboration not only adds to the prestige of this master’s degree, but also delivers invaluable insights and opportunities for students in both Madrid and the US. As an added bonus, they also spend an immersive semester in Chicago enhancing their skill set and gaining practical experience in American business law.
Students of the program graduate with an LL.M./M.S.L from Northwestern Law, as well as a Business Administration Certificate from IE Business School. What’s more, completing the Executive LL.M. qualifies them to take the California Bar Exam—a prestigious credential that would enhance students’ resumes and allow them to practice law in the state.
3. Take a comparative approach to law
The Executive LL.M. adopts a unique Comparative Law Methodology that allows students to build a global mindset and competencies that enable them to work across multiple jurisdictions. The program’s cultural diversity gives them a front-row seat to the distinct legal frameworks, principles and practices enforced in different countries. “This diversity provides a unique opportunity for us to explore and compare various legal systems, gaining a broader understanding of how different societies address legal issues,” explains Marc-Philipp. As a result, students develop alternative approaches to legal reasoning, well-honed problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and a more nuanced understanding of legal complexities.
4. Blend the worlds of business and law
Globalization and digitalization have not only transformed the legal landscape but also the nature of business as we know it. Cross-border transactions are becoming more and more prevalent, increasing the demand for skilled legal practitioners who are experts in the international norms of trade and commerce. The Executive LL.M. is the ideal training ground for this kind of professional who, upon graduation, will be able to utilize their legal skills to boost business performance on a global scale.
5. Establish a powerful global network
“In addition to the academic benefits, what appealed to me most was the opportunity to build a diverse network of professionals who have experience in multinational companies,” Marc-Philipp states. And he’s not alone in this goal, as most students of the Executive LL.M. are determined to build a versatile, global network that could spell the success of their professional career. From leading industry practitioners to expert faculty and accomplished peers, the program allows students to connect with a diverse mix of legal professionals.
What’s next?
All in all, the Executive LL.M. positions its students as experts in legal and business matters beyond borders. Its practical, hands-on approach equips them to take on the global legal landscape skillfully, confidently and strategically, planting the seeds for long-term personal and professional success.
