The Faculty of Law at UIC Barcelona held its graduation ceremony on Friday 12 June for students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Law and the University Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and Legal Representation. The ceremony was presided over by the dean of the Faculty, Dr Rafael Oliver, accompanied by the vice-deans Dr Montserrat Gas and Dr Maria Mut, and featured the participation of the guest speaker, the renowned criminal lawyer Cristóbal Martell.

In his welcome address, the dean congratulated the graduates and their families on the effort made throughout this academic period. Vice-Dean Montserrat Gas then introduced the guest speaker, describing him as “one of the most recognised criminal defence lawyers in Spain” and managing partner of Martell Abogados, one of the leading firms in this field.

During the same ceremony, Vice-Dean Maria Mut acknowledged the students who had completed international programmes, reaffirming the Faculty’s commitment to internationalisation as one of its strategic priorities.

Law as a service and a responsibility

In his keynote address, Cristóbal Martell addressed the new graduates with a message centred on the value of hard work, responsibility and the social commitment inherent in the practice of law. “There is no greater honour for a lawyer passionate about their profession than to address young jurists who have successfully completed their studies,” he stated.

Martell reminded students that graduation does not mark the end of their efforts, but rather the beginning of a stage that requires continuous learning. “The effort continues, but I say this from the conviction of someone who has had the privilege of dedicating a lifetime to the law: the effort is worthwhile.”

The guest speaker emphasised the role of law as an essential tool for peaceful coexistence and justice. “Law is the greatest achievement in terms of civilisation, because it enables society to live together in peace and with justice,” he affirmed. At the same time, he highlighted the service dimension that characterises all legal professions: “Working for others, defending their interests and helping them at the most difficult moments of their lives is deeply rewarding, but above all it is an exercise in responsibility.”

Martell also acknowledged the University’s educational work and highlighted the balance between theory and practice that characterises Law studies at UIC Barcelona. In this regard, he stressed the importance of lifelong learning throughout one’s professional career, “There is no good jurist without a solid grounding in legal doctrine. Never stop studying, studying and studying.”

Finally, he encouraged future legal professionals to carry out their work with honesty, respect and a spirit of service in a social context often marked by confrontation. Quoting the Roman jurist Ulpian, he concluded by recalling the principles that should guide any professional life: “Live honourably, harm no one and give everyone what is due to them.”

The end of one stage and the start of another

Following the presentation of diplomas to graduates of the Bachelor’s Degree in Law and the University Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and Legal Representation, several student representatives addressed the audience to reflect on their years at the University.

On behalf of the Bachelor’s Degree in Law students, Mariona Busquets and Ignacio Comella expressed their gratitude for the support they had received and noted the lasting impact of their lecturers on their education: “Thank you for igniting in us a passion for truth.” They also referred to the University’s motto, “Truth will set you free”, which, they said, had been “a constant compass” throughout their studies.

In a more light-hearted tone, they looked back on some of the most memorable moments of the degree, from the academic challenges of Commercial Law II to seminars in Criminal Law and exercises in Tax Law. They also drew on the Holy Father’s recent words, encouraging their fellow students to be ‘role models’ rather than ‘influencers’, and to always remember that a person’s worth does not depend on their successes, but on their uniqueness.

Xavier Casajuana, speaking on behalf of students from the double degree in Business Administration and Law, reflected on the close bonds forged over these years: “We have spent more hours together than with our families, and this has brought us together in a very special way.” He also highlighted the mutual support that enabled them to overcome both academic and personal challenges, as well as the friendships built along the way.

Speaking on behalf of the Master’s students, Belén Aporta humorously recalled the first practical classes and how the group had developed over the course of the year. “We may not be a group in the traditional sense, but we will always be classmates and, who knows, perhaps colleagues in the profession too,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with the performance of the traditional Gaudeamus Igitur and the incorporation of the new graduates into the UIC Barcelona Alumni community, a network that will continue to support them throughout their personal and professional journeys.