The Assembly Hall of Palauet Casades, headquarters of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB), has been the setting for the graduation ceremony of the students of the Master's Degree in Law and Legal Practice at UPF Barcelona School of Management.
The ceremony began with institutional welcome remarks by Carmen Valenzuela Hidalgo, a member of the Governing Board of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB).
"It is always a great joy to attend a graduation: those who decide to pursue this noble profession do so because they have a vocation for serving others and understand that law must serve to ensure coexistence and improve citizens' lives," Hidalgo stated in her welcome speech.
Next, Javier Segura Zariquiey, Dean of the Barcelona Bar Association of Procurators (ICPB), and Ramon Ragués, Director of the Master's program, addressed the students.
"Today is a very special day: a year and a half ago, we met for the first time, fresh out of university, and today we are in this hall of the Barcelona Bar Association, practically ready to begin practicing your profession," expressed the Master's Director.
Ragués also pointed out that the legal profession "is becoming an increasingly scarce asset in our society." He explained to the graduates that, although there may be fewer lawyers in the future, their responsibility to society will not diminish. "We are facing years in which, unfortunately, society will become more conflictive, and lawyers will have the important role of helping to resolve conflicts," Ragués said. He also advised the graduates never to stop learning throughout their careers.
Jaume Solé Riera, Associate Professor of Procedural Law at UPF, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the social role of the legal profession. Solé reviewed the evolution of the legal profession, from the first recorded presence of a lawyer in the Ancient Roman Empire to the present day. He emphasized the key pillars of the profession, its vital role in society, and the importance of professional associations.
Following this, student representatives shared heartfelt words with their fellow graduates.
Finally, Jose M. MartÃnez-Sierra, General Director of UPF-BSM, closed the event with an emotional speech.
"I congratulate you on the decisions you have made and for having reached this point. I am a fellow lawyer, and I can assure you that law is essential in life, as it is a field of knowledge that will always accompany you, providing you with sound judgment and common sense. Congratulations—the future is yours," expressed the General Director of UPF-BSM.
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