Law with Hispanic Law

Law with Hispanic law is a degree that combines the rigorous foundations of an English and Welsh law qualification with direct immersion in a radically different legal tradition. The common law system of England and Wales, with its emphasis on case law, precedent and judge-made doctrine, differs fundamentally from the civil law systems of Spain and Latin America, which are rooted in codified statutes and Roman law principles. Studying both develops not just legal knowledge but genuine comparative legal understanding, which is increasingly valued as international commerce, human rights law and cross-border litigation grow in complexity.

At the University of Leeds you will study for four years full-time. The first two years develop your core legal foundations, and your third year is spent studying law in Spain or a Spanish-speaking Latin American country, where you will experience first-hand how a different legal culture operates and develop your Spanish language skills to a professional level. You will return to Leeds for your final year, integrating your comparative perspective into your academic work.

The programme develops expertise in legal analysis, research, logical argument and the ability to move fluently between different legal frameworks.

Graduates with this combination are particularly well placed for careers in international law firms with Spanish or Latin American practices, for work in the diplomatic and consular services of both the UK and Hispanophone countries, for roles in international organisations where Spanish law is relevant, and for practice as solicitors in areas such as commercial law, immigration and international arbitration. The bilingual legal training is valued in Spain, Latin America and in any professional context where both common law and civil law systems come into contact. Many graduates pursue the further professional training required to qualify as a solicitor, while others move into academia, policy or international business law.