Logo IE School
Learning & Academics
Innovation & Creativity
IEU Experience
#GOINGTOIEU
Logo IE School
Fondo logo E

Ainhoa Busto is thriving at an international law firm: Here’s her advice for aspiring lawyers

An inspiring journey from university to a top international law firm, filled with lessons on determination, diversity and taking on the world of global law.

Starting a career in law is no easy feat, especially if your goal is to work at an international law firm. It’s competitive, challenging and often unpredictable. But for Ainhoa Busto, now an associate at White & Case in Madrid, the journey has been worth it. A graduate of IE University’s Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program, Ainhoa knows firsthand what it takes to thrive in the world of global law.

Here, she shares her story and her best advice for aspiring lawyers who dream of building careers at international law firms.

Where it all started

Ainhoa’s path to one of the world’s top law firms began at IE University. Here, she was surrounded by classmates from all over the world from day one, learning to navigate different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

What life is like at an international law firm like White & Case

Ainhoa found herself ready for the challenge of stepping into a high-powered international law firm like White & Case, known for its high-stakes cross-border cases and influential clients.

“No two days are ever the same,” she says. “One moment, I’m working on a complex corporate investigation, and the next, I’m meeting with clients to strategize on international arbitration cases.”

Plus, the teamwork she loved so much at university is alive and well at the firm. Ainhoa works closely with a highly skilled team, combining expertise from multiple legal systems to solve challenging cases. “We collaborate on almost everything,” she explains. “We’re constantly learning from each other’s strengths and perspectives. That’s what makes working at an international law firm so unique.”

She also appreciates the firm’s fast-paced environment, where every project demands precision and creative problem-solving. “It keeps you sharp,” she adds. “You have to think on your feet and adapt quickly, especially when dealing with complex cross-border matters.”

Ainhoa’s advice for aspiring lawyers

For those dreaming of working at an international law firm, Ainhoa offers these tips:

Stay determined

“The legal field is demanding, but persistence will take you further than you think. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels tough.”

Master critical thinking

“International law is complex. You need to approach challenges strategically and see how the pieces fit together.”

Cultivate a global mindset

“The more comfortable you are with different cultures and viewpoints, the better prepared you’ll be for a global career.”

Build strong relationships

“Your network is everything. Many of the people I met at IE University are now my closest friends and professional allies.”

Strike a good work & life balance

“It’s easy to get consumed by work, but making time for yourself will make you a better lawyer. Whether it’s exercising or pausing to enjoy a quiet coffee, prioritize your well-being.”

 A career worth pursuing

For Ainhoa, working at an international law firm like White & Case has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s taught her to think critically, collaborate effectively, and embrace the complexities of a globalized legal system.

“You never know where your path will take you,” she says with a smile. “But that’s what makes it exciting.”

Her advice to aspiring lawyers is simple but powerful: stay curious, stay open and be ready to step into the world of international law with confidence.

SHARE THIS POST

Annie Beasley is a Spanish-American journalist specialized in political journalism and feminist issues. Raised in Galicia, she spent her summers in the US, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Galician.

Her academic journey took her all over Spain. She started at Universidad de Valladolid, where she was a member of a student activist group, then went on to Universidad de València, and finally Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, where she’s currently working and pursuing postgraduate studies in voice acting. Each university offered a unique academic approach, giving her fresh insights into journalistic writing and access to an array of learning opportunities.

During college, she interned as a copywriter at a marketing firm in Madrid and went on to work as a communications specialist at Fractalia, a prestigious cybersecurity company.
Annie currently works at IE University as the editor of Driving Innovation, bringing a fresh, journalistic voice to the blog and focused on delivering insightful, informative content.

Related posts

Science and technology are everywhere. They inform everything we do and our potential for the future. In order …

Despite recent advancements in the field of technology, tech remains to be an industry in which women are …

The IE Africa Center is on a mission: to shine a light on African solutions for global challenges. …

Others
Learning & Academics
Innovation & Creativity
IEU Experience
Featured
#GOINGTOIEU