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SubscribeCuatrecasas has concluded its well-established national business law competition, which in its fifth edition has brought together students from major universities in the final stage held at its Madrid office. Beatriz Levchenko Grechko, from the Universidad de Málaga, and Carlos Barata Benítez, from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, were announced the winning team. The runners-up were María Barrachina Vidal (ESADE Business & Law School) and Jaime Correas Bosqued (Universidad de Zaragoza). All four university students will receive financial support to study the Master for Admission to the Practice of Law or a dual master’s degree program with a specialization, and they will carry out their internships at Cuatrecasas, in the practice area of their choice.
This edition has seen a record number of entries in the five years that the Challenge has been held: 205 applicants from 55 universities. From these applicants, the firm selected 16 students last December to participate in the final phase of the competition. After working in pairs and taking a written test in early February, the participants defended a multidisciplinary case on March 4 that addressed essential issues of business law, and which has allowed them to put their legal, communication and teamwork skills into practice.
Beatriz Levchenko Grechko, a member of the winning team, stated: "Ever since we were told we had been selected to participate in this fifth edition, the key has been teamwork. We have coordinated, been very flexible, and kept a very open mind. I recommend that law students have this experience, take advantage of the opportunity to be in a great firm, and meet its partners."
Carlos Barata Benítez indicated: "Despite the excitement we felt, winning was the least important thing compared to the experience we had. We did what we love and had a great time. After participating in this competition, I understand how important teamwork is. It is also a unique opportunity to learn about the real problems that companies and clients face."
The jury panel consisted of four partners from various specialty areas in the firm: Marta Álvarez (Tax), Álvaro Fernández Sánchez del Corral (Labor and Employment), Mª José Guillén (Corporate), and Omar Puertas (Arbitration). Speaking about this fifth edition of the Cuatrecasas Challenge, Álvaro Fernández Sánchez del Corral highlighted: "This year, the level has been extraordinary. Edition after edition, the candidates arrive better prepared than ever, and there is no doubt that the talent of the new generations is truly impactful. This year, the impact of AI and new technologies was also very prominent, demonstrating that not only law firms but also aspiring lawyers understand that technological development is a key factor in improving our profession. I am convinced that the level of the Challenge will continue to rise in the coming years. We are proud to contribute to raising awareness and supporting those who will undoubtedly be the future leaders of the legal profession.”
The continued increase in registrations demonstrates the interest of law students in taking part in a challenge that allows them to showcase their talent, commitment, and teamwork skills. For this reason, Cuatrecasas, in line with that interest and with the aim of continuing to promote talent among new generations of lawyers, is already working to prepare the next edition of the Cuatrecasas Challenge.
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