Studying Law in Italy or Spain: Which is the right country for your studies?

martinagvisionfact
Sep 15
3 min read

Author: Sabrina Mazzei

Most of those who choose to study law do so, ultimately, driven by a desire and a sense of justice.

They aren't content to remain an internal trait, but also want to find an outlet externally, in their future career, whatever that may be.

Career Opportunities

The career prospects of those who undertake legal studies today are somewhat different from those of the recent past.

However, law degrees undoubtedly remain among those that offer a very wide range of career opportunities.

Cartoon of a woman with a Spanish flag and a man with an Italian flag smiling. Text: "Spain vs Italy for International Students."

Traditional professions

Traditional professions such as law, notary publics, and the judiciary still represent one of the most significant employment opportunities, but with a lesser impact than in the past.

The field of legal consultancy, in various capacities, is constantly growing.

New employment opportunities are also opening up in relation to some profound economic and social transformations that bring with them genuine paradigm shifts.

Just think of the energy transition, the impact of artificial intelligence, the rapidly evolving local and global geopolitical balances, and so on.

Opportunity

In all these fields, new employment opportunities are opening up for those who have developed, during their studies, the legal mindset, sought after precisely for its distinctive sensitivity.

The undeniable decline in enrollments in law degree programs is attributable to the excessive length of the program (a five-year master's degree).

Studying law in Spain

Studying at a university in Spain is the aspiration of many Italian students.

The low cost of living, the welcoming environment, the Mediterranean climate, and the presence of many international students are the non-academic reasons that lead Italian university students to choose Spain.

In reality, there are also a whole series of more academic-related reasons that make Spanish universities an excellent choice.

Spanish universities share the same academic quality as those in Italy.

Historic plaza at sunset with illuminated arches, cobblestone ground, and a colorful sky. Warm light creates a tranquil, inviting mood.

International Career Prospects

Graduates can work in diplomacy, international organizations, corporate law, and consulting.There are opportunities in international law and global markets.

To work in another EU country, students need qualification recognition.Often, this involves registration with a local bar association.

Italian and Spanish systems

The Italian system is best for specializing in national law, rooted in its legal tradition.Graduating in Italy provides a recognized qualification to practice in the country.However, recognition abroad requires additional procedures.

The Spanish system is more internationally oriented.It offers numerous exchange opportunities and global exposure.

Common Roots of Civil Law

The roots of both systems lie in Roman law and EU law harmonization.Roman law shaped the Italian and Spanish traditions, especially Justinian's codification.

The Civil Code model in both countries stems from Roman law systematization.EU accession led to convergence, introducing common principles.Key areas include contracts, obligations, and consumer protection.

Common Principles

European institutions promote shared standards and rules.They aim to create a European legal space and ease the circulation of goods, services, and people.

The evolution of European law continues to shape Italian and Spanish civil law.It fosters further harmonization of national regulations.

Legal education in Italy

Legal education has two main pathways.First, the five-year master’s degree in Law.Second, the postgraduate training, including an 18-month internship and a 160-hour program.

Completion requires the State Bar Examination.It assesses theoretical and practical preparation.

Legal training in Spain for Italian students

Recognition of an Italian degree is the first step.Then, students complete a Master en Abogacía (one year).It includes a final exam, thesis preparation, and an online defense.

The program focuses on practical legal matters and ethics.After success, students can register in the Professional Register.

Crowds gather in Madrid's Plaza Mayor at dusk, under a blue sky. The statue of Philip III is central, with historic red-brick buildings lit up.

What to do to study in Spain

To study in Spain, you must know Spanish.

Spanish universities require certification attesting to your knowledge of the language before departure.

For an Italian student, Spanish is a language that offers a simpler approach than other languages. Like Italian, it is a Romance language.

The Final Choice

Spain may be better for a practical approach, lower costs, and an international setting.Italy is preferable for a traditional, theoretical system, and future practice in Italy.