As a Dual Degree in Business Administration & Laws student, Juan Sanz is already shaping a future in law through a series of real-world experiences. During the second semester of his fourth year, he secured a part-time law internship with CECA Magán Abogados—a highly regarded Spanish firm known for its “preventive advice” approach, which helps clients sidestep legal issues before they arise. Before this, Juan expanded his global perspective with a semester abroad at The University of Hong Kong, gaining firsthand experience with firms like Lefebvre and IGR Abogados. In this interview, he dives into the ins and outs of working at one of Spain’s top mid-sized firms and shares his advice for students eager to get a practical start in the legal world.
Juan’s law internship
What drew you to this internship?
I wanted to work there because they’re a leading mid-sized law firm in Spain. This meant I’d get a lot of hands-on experience, which is sometimes less accessible in larger firms. Plus, I’d still get to work on major cases. To top that, they were great about accommodating my class schedule throughout the semester.
What did you do during your law internship, and what parts of the experience stood out to you?
I got to work on everything from M&A deals to governance issues and regulatory aspects. I spent a lot of time supporting teams in due diligence for M&A operations, which was incredibly rewarding. It was exciting to see how our work directly impacts real-life situations. One highlight was being able to work in different sectors—renewable energy, logistics, real estate, and hotels. Because CECA Magán is a mid-sized firm, they don’t split corporate law into separate departments. Each team specialized in a particular industry, so I got to learn a lot about these fields from experts.
What did a typical day look like?
My main role was to support the team as a whole. I had my own projects here and there, including some direct client work, but mostly, I assisted the lawyers with whatever they needed. This included drafting documents, researching, checking in with notary publics and public registries, and managing processes with them. When I had my own project, it was a lot of fun—I enjoyed working directly with clients, which gave me a strong sense of responsibility.
How did you hear about this internship?
I already knew of CECA Magán because of my personal interest in the legal sector. But I have Talent & Careers to thank. I found the internship through their weekly-updated listing of career opportunities. Talent & Careers also helped me build a well-structured CV, which helped me pass the initial screenings for several internships. Overall, the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at IE University prepared me to make the most of this internship once I secured it.
What was the recruitment process like?
It was quick and efficient. After submitting my application through their website, I got a call inviting me to an interview. The first interview was with someone from HR, who focused on getting to know me rather than asking technical questions. Then I had a second interview with two lawyers from the corporate law department. This interview was also conversational—they wanted to see if I’d be a good fit for the team. After that, I received an offer.
Do you recommend interning at CECA Magán? Any tips for students interested applying?
Definitely. I’d encourage any law student interested in working at a Spanish law firm to consider CECA Magán, whether it’s for corporate law or another department like labor law, which is one of their main areas. Before applying, get a good understanding of the firm’s work and think about whether a mid-sized firm is the right fit for you. I’d also suggest preparing for the interview but staying natural; they aren’t looking for intense technical answers, so just be yourself. Finally, familiarize yourself with the basic principles of the law you’ll be working with—it makes the internship experience much smoother for you and your supervisors.
Juan’s story is a testament to the value of seizing opportunities that allow for hands-on learning. For him, interning at CECA Magán was more than just work experience—it was a chance to dive into the complexities of corporate law, learn directly from seasoned professionals, and even take on his own projects with real clients. He found that working in a mid-sized, forward-thinking firm allowed him to get a true feel for the legal world, from managing due diligence to adapting to the unique demands of industries like renewable energy and real estate.