Despite the end of the year being conditioned by the healthcare crisis sparked by the current pandemic, Fernando Morales still managed to successfully graduate from the Master of Laws at St. John's University in New York.  He is the first student from UIC Barcelona to complete this programme since the agreement between the Faculty of Law and the North American university was established, and what’s more, he passed with flying colours. He has been included in the dean’s list and has been awarded the excellence award for Legal Research, Analysis and Writing. 

“Having fulfilled the academic requirements on such a demanding programme in a multicultural environment and having had my efforts recognised has brought me great personal satisfaction”, said Morales.  The student also described his last few months as “very challenging”, due to being so far away from his family and friends in the middle of the coronavirus crisis, but explained that his optimistic attitude “played a huge part in helping me get through this difficult time”.

Stating that he will never forget “the image of empty Manhattan streets”, he has decided to stay in New York and build on his training with an MBA. “As a lawyer, the ability to understand your clients’ needs is essential, and being able to provide them with comprehensive knowledge and counselling is a huge advantage”.

The agreement between UIC Barcelona and St. John's University in New York was signed in 2019 and offers students from the Bachelor's Degree in Law the chance to take the one-year Master of Laws (LL.M.) in New York. Unlike UIC Barcelona, very few Spanish universities have direct access to this internationally renowned postgraduate law programme. After taking this course, students will be able to apply for the Bar Exam and if they pass, they will be qualified to practice law in the United States.