Lawyers of PDA had the opportunity to explain what stage they are at and describe their progress
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SubscribeOn June 15, Cuatrecasas held its annual session of the Doctorate and Practice of Law Program (“PDA”) at its Madrid office. The initiative offers students in masters for admission to the practice of law programs and graduates with outstanding grades—who are in the early stages of their careers—a framework in which they can simultaneously pursue a professional career as lawyers and receive top-level academic training.
Cuatrecasas partners Juan Aguayo and Alejandro Payá (the PDA’s directors) led the session during which the young lawyers’ progress was assessed. Current enrollees who participated include Francisco Miguel de Pina, Rodrigo Pérez, Sergi Ferrer, Joan-Marc Barcón, Pablo Rodríguez, Mikel Puente, Gonzalo Herrero and Aurora Righi. Also participating were Julio David Moreno, who defended his doctoral thesis in 2024 with cum laude honors, and Guido Adlaoui, who will defend his doctoral thesis soon.
Juan Aguayo spoke about the program: “Through the PDA, we consolidate our ability to attract exceptional talent—namely, young legal professionals who want to practice law while also taking on an intellectual and academic challenge by writing their doctoral thesis. This program enriches our lawyers’ careers, strengthens our relationship with the most prestigious universities, and ensures an ongoing contribution to various areas of law through research and teaching.”
Alejandro Payá also commented: “This initiative, which combines professional and academic excellence, reflects the firm’s strategic commitment to promoting the development of young lawyers with a global perspective and high-level research skills. Its innovative design brings together the best talent within a framework that combines professional practice, academic training, and international collaboration, laying the groundwork for specialization as well as teaching and research at prestigious universities.”
The PDA’s strategic relevance
The PDA lasts five years and is organized into different phases to guarantee comprehensive training. In the first year, participants combine their professional training as lawyers with the initial preparation of their doctoral thesis. In the second year, they begin their doctoral studies in their chosen program. The work on their thesis significantly evolves during the third year, and between the third and fifth years, after becoming associates, the participants complete a period at a foreign university to complement their training. Lastly, between the fourth and fifth years, they defend their doctoral thesis.
With this program, Cuatrecasas reaffirms its commitment to offering young lawyers an appropriate framework that enables them to combine professional development with an intellectual challenge, contributing to strengthening their talent and abilities.
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