Blanca Muñoz Nogués graduated from IE University earlier this year with the Dual Degree in Business Administration and Laws. Now, she has received the IE White & Case End of Degree Award for her exceptional research paper, titled “Proprietary Rights Over Securities Held Through the Blockchain. A Conflict of Laws Perspective.”
Six years ago, White & Case, one of the world’s top law firms, joined forces with IE University to create the first IE White & Case End of Degree Prize. This was a result of both institutions’ shared commitment to fostering talent and a culture of excellence among law students—the future leaders of the legal counsel sector. Each year, the winner receives a postgraduate scholarship jointly funded by the IE Foundation and White & Case. In Blanca’s case, she will continue her journey at IE University, pursuing the Double Masters in Acceso a la Abogacía and Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas.
We are incredibly proud of Blanca and want to congratulate her on sharing the results of her diligent research and her innovative approach to law and technology. Read on for a glimpse into her fascination with legal tech, her experience at IE University, and what this prize means for her future.
Why did you decide to study law?
Interestingly, what initially drew me to the Dual Degree in Business Administration and Laws was actually the Bachelor in Business Administration. To be honest, I was really torn between studying law and international relations. But when I learned that IE University used the Comparative Law methodology, I was instantly drawn to the idea of being able to understand the framework companies operate under, not only in Spain but also on an international level.
Eventually, I decided to study law because I thought it would be an intellectually stimulating challenge that would allow me to exercise practical problem-solving. Now, as my degree has come to a close, I couldn’t be happier with my decision, since I have ultimately decided to pursue a career in law.
Do you have a highlight from your five-year experience at IE University? Did you get involved in extracurricular activities?
As I look back at the last five years, I feel extremely grateful for the people I’ve met along the way. Without a doubt, the biggest highlight of my experience at IE University has been being surrounded by such driven, hard-working, and genuinely kind classmates. Although I really enjoyed taking part in seminars and extracurriculars, I think that what I appreciated most were the discussions and debates that took place during our day-to-day lectures. We are extremely lucky to be able to learn firsthand from professors who are experts in their field in a small classroom setting. I really enjoyed getting to build close connections with my professors, and I appreciate knowing that I can still look to them for guidance now after graduation.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy being out in nature, and I think this has become even more apparent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were urged to stay at home for months on end. After countless hours of online classes, FaceTime calls and endless scrolling on social media, I’ve realized that one of the most fulfilling things for me is simply being out in nature with friends or my family and exploring new hikes, trails and beaches. All my life, I’ve been really lucky to have had the opportunity to travel a great deal and to live in several countries. I really enjoy getting to explore different regions by going on hikes or runs.
What was your final project about?
My final paper explores one of the legal ramifications of blockchain technology in the area of financial securities. Specifically, I conducted an analysis of whether existing conflict of laws principles are suitable to determine what laws are applicable to cryptosecurities, meaning securities that are held in the blockchain. Ultimately, I argue that the conflict of laws principles in place today are not suited for the blockchain environment, as they are based on connecting factors that cannot be applied to the blockchain, and I offer a possible solution for the challenge at hand.
What areas of law are you interested in?
During my degree, the subjects I enjoyed most were those related to corporate law, since this field combines my interest in business with my interest in law. Also, having written my final project on the intersection between blockchain and securities law has made me realize that I am equally fascinated by legal tech and by capital markets law. I’m hoping to explore these two fields in the upcoming years.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am really grateful for the scholarship that comes with this award, as it will give me the opportunity to continue my journey at IE University and pursue the Double Masters in Acceso a la Abogacía and Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas.
During my degree, the subjects I enjoyed most were those related to corporate law, since this field combines my interest in business with my interest in law. Also, having written my final project on the intersection between blockchain and securities law has made me realize that I am equally fascinated by legal tech and by capital markets law. I’m hoping to explore these two fields in the upcoming years.
