The Madrid Bar Association (ICAM) celebrated a historic milestone with the legal establishment of ICAM University – an affiliated center of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Its creation has been officially approved and published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM). This administrative act marks the culmination of a decisive stage and the beginning of a new one: the construction of a university-level legal model focused on excellence, practice, and innovation.

ICAM University thus becomes the first university center in Spain promoted by a Professional Association, and it does so under the model of a center affiliated with a leading public university such as the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). This affiliation guarantees academic rigor, official accreditation of its degrees, and a training program connected to professional practice and the highest university standards.

Eugenio Ribón, Dean of the Madrid Bar Association, described this important milestone as follows: “The establishment of ICAM University as its own legal entity is much more than an administrative formality: it is the culmination of a vision we have championed from day one. We want rigorous, innovative legal training, grounded in the realities of the profession and with an eye to the future. This university will be a place to train not only great jurists, but also professionals with ethical commitment, critical thinking skills, and a vocation for service. And we will do so by guaranteeing access through scholarships, diversity, and merit. It is ICAM’s commitment to knowledge as an engine of transformation for the legal profession and for society.”

Own degrees now, official degrees underway

Thanks to this approval, ICAM University is now authorized to offer its own degrees starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, it is actively working on implementing its first official Bachelor of Laws degree program, based on a model that combines in-person and online learning, with a strong practical component and an international focus. The curriculum draws on the established expertise of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), ensuring continuity, rigor, and adaptation to the current demands of the legal sector.

The first official titles are expected to begin in 2026.

In addition, the center plans to launch two high-impact master’s programs in the coming months, aimed at 21st-century lawyers attracted by a vision capable of uniting tradition and modernity.

Distinctive approach: innovation, ethics and real connection with the profession

ICAM University is born with a distinctive educational proposal:

• Academic excellence combined with real professional immersion, thanks to the network of more than 77,000 lawyers of the ICAM.
• A model with a strong international and European focus, preparing for a transnational and ethically committed legal practice.
• A clear commitment to technological transformation and critical thinking about Law, AI and the reliable use of information.
• A firm commitment to diversity, accessibility, and scholarships, so that the project is not elitist, but open and socially inclusive.

Academic direction and strategic vision

At the helm of the project is Ricardo Alonso, Professor of Administrative and EU Law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), who is leading this new phase with a clear vision: “We want to train well-rounded lawyers with critical thinking skills, prepared for a demanding global professional environment. Our strength lies in combining academic excellence, real-world practice, and ethical commitment.” “Our goal is for ICAM University to be number one in the private sector,” he said.

A pioneering model for the 21st century

With the official launch of ICAM University, ICAM consolidates its commitment to cutting-edge legal education, strongly connected to the professional challenges of the present and future. A pioneering model, deeply rooted in the collegiate experience and committed to academic excellence, social justice, and the ethical practice of law.