Cuatrecasas Challenge closes fourth edition and consolidates as benchmark competition in sector

Cuatrecasas has closed the latest edition of the Cuatrecasas Challenge at its Madrid office. After four years, it has become well-established nationally as the benchmark competition in the business law field. Out of the 16 students that participated in this edition, the pair formed by Renato Giovanni Goñi (Universidad de Navarra) and Lia Angela Alvarado Sánchez (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela) were announced the winners. Other finalists were Alba Forner Franco (Universidad Jaime I) and Martín Escuder Herrero (Universidad Carlos III). Both pairs will receive financial support to study the Master for Admission to the Practice of Law with a specialization and they will also carry out an internship at the firm.

Lia Angela Alvarado, one of the winners, commented: “The Cuatrecasas Challenge has been an enriching experience in every way, from both a knowledge point of view and a practical perspective. I want to thank Cuatrecasas for this opportunity and for its commitment to young people, enabling us to show our potential.”

Alba Forner, from the other pair of finalists, said: “This has been an incredible experience. I have really enjoyed working in pairs to complement the training with our strengths and the creative freedom we were given to be able to present our case.”

Last December, Cuatrecasas selected 16 participants out of 111 students from the 40 universities that had enrolled. After forming pairs and receiving the case, the participants delivered their first written defense in February. On March 6, they had the opportunity to demonstrate their legal knowledge, communication skills, and ability to cooperate and work as a team on a multidisciplinary case—proposed by the firm’s Knowledge and Innovation Group—addressing key issues in business law.

In this edition, the jury panel was made up of four of the firm's partners from different specialty areas: Daniel Coloma (Tax), Álvaro Fernández (Labor and Employment), Rosa M. Gual (Restructuring) and María José Guillén (Corporate and M&A). María José Guillén spoke about this year’s Cuatrecasas Challenge: “The participants have made the most of this great opportunity and experience. For me, it has been a revelation. I have witnessed a high level from these students and am convinced we have a generation of extraordinary young lawyers about to join the labor market. They are extremely prepared and cannot wait to take on the world. It is encouraging to see people that stand out for their study and professionalism.”

The increase in enrollments year after year demonstrates the sparked interest in the Cuatrecasas Challenge from students at Spanish universities. They have once again shown their engagement, ability to work in a team, and most importantly, their talent and dedication. Cuatrecasas is already preparing the fifth campaign where we will get to know the most promising young lawyers in the field of law.