The Legal Immersion Experience: Studying on a top international law program

4 min read

One of the highlights of the LL.M. in International Legal Studies at IE Law School is the opportunity to apply classroom learning with in-person, immersive experiences. For this year’s Legal Immersion Experience, students traveled to Paris and Geneva—both key hubs for international law—to gain invaluable insights into the legal industry. This offered students the experience and exposure they need to work at top international law firms and organizations. With practical workshops and enhanced career paths, we work to ensure students feel the benefits of a top international law program.

Over four days, students participated in impactful discussions, visits, networking events and more. Each activity provided valuable connections and a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in some of the world’s top international firms and organizations.

Bringing law to life

The first visit took students to one of IE Law School’s valued strategic partners—the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with overviews of their International Court of Arbitration and International Centre for ADR (Amicable Dispute Resolution).

The session discussed how rule setting, policy advocacy and dispute resolution help to achieve the ICC’s mission of “promoting international trade and investment as vehicles for inclusive growth and prosperity.” Students also learned how mediation can be used as a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to arbitration.

Students returned to the ICC the following day for a presentation entitled “Constitution of arbitral tribunals under the ICC Rules of Arbitration,” led by Elena Koch and Mihaela Tarnovschi, deputy counsels at the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The session examined the arbitral clause and challenges faced by the ICC in the selection of arbitrators. Students then took part in a mock scenario, allowing them to see the complexities of arbitral appointments for themselves.

A particular highlight of the week was the visit to Alerion Avocats’ office in Paris. The students engaged in a discussion on climate litigation, which is an increasingly relevant topic in international law. The meeting was hosted by Jacques Bouyssou, Head of Litigation, and Luana Nilsen, a young lawyer on the litigation team. They walked our students through the evolution of climate litigation, analyzing landmark cases such as KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland and Juliana v. United States. They also explored the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and its implications for businesses, particularly regarding their duty of vigilance. 

In a commercial and networking event, participants discussed how AI is revolutionizing the legal profession. The masterclass looked at different ways in which AI streamlines tasks and automates routine processes, freeing up legal professionals to focus on complex problem-solving, client advocacy, and innovation. It also explored the challenges that this can bring, particularly around ethics and accountability.

Law in Geneva 

Jumping from Paris to Geneva, students attended thought-provoking sessions at the World Trade Organization (WTO), with a guided tour and deep dives on topics including trade and public health from an IP perspective, regulating technical obstacles to trade and key trends in international trade in services.  

The trip also included a visit to the UN headquarters, where students learned about the UN’s history, explored the iconic rooms of the historic building and understood the intent behind its design. They also discovered what it means to work at the UN, the role of diplomacy, and how international agreements are shaped.

An enriching learning experience on a top international law program

Reflecting on her time on the Legal Immersion Experience, one student described it as “enriching, global, and multifaceted,” Alexia de Gortázar due to the insights gained, the chance to deepen their knowledge in international law through the guidance of leading professionals, and the blend of legal education with networking, travel and culture.

Another student revealed that she found the sessions at the WTO to be particularly impactful. “I liked the tour of this amazing place and all the experts that talked to us about different themes. It touched on commercial things, but also human rights,” Julieta Malmierca. 

And another participant highlighted that she deepened her knowledge in different sectors and sections of the WTO through the hands of legal professionals. “We know the link between human rights and international trade, which merges the two tracks of the LL.M. in International Legal Studies,” Alexia de Gortázar

Sharing her advice, another student recommends future participants of the Legal Immersion Experience to “network, get involved, and pick your electives based on tailoring your program to your needs. And also, enjoy the experience!” Samiksha Menon

An enriching experience for future legal leaders

The LL.M. in International Legal Studies program is a transformational journey where you will learn, grow and unlock your professional success. Over the course of ten months, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the international legal sector, building a diverse skillset that will allow you to pursue an impactful career at the cutting edge of the legal world.

By choosing one of the two specializations—International Economic Law or Human Rights in the Digital Society—you’ll be able to further align your studies to your specific career goals. This will allow you to build a profile that helps you stand out as a top candidate for a wide range of roles, from diplomat to lawyer or any other role that requires a deep understanding of international law.

As well as receiving the most up-to-date and relevant theory, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in practical experiences like the Legal Immersion Experience, enabling you to apply your learning in a real-life legal setting, network with top leaders from the legal world, and gain authentic insights that align with your career goals.