ICAM launches a free training programme for lawyers

The Madrid Bar Association (ICAM) has launched Plan Cuota Cero, an initiative that transforms membership fees into a direct return for Madrid lawyers, providing free access to legal training through the ICAM Study Centre.

“With the Zero Fee Plan, we are transforming an obligation into a real opportunity for members. It is not just a matter of providing free training, but of redefining the relationship between the legal profession and its Bar Association. The fee is returned to members in the form of knowledge, specialisation and professional growth. This was one of the major commitments we made to the Board. Today, that commitment has been fulfilled,” said Eugenio Ribón.

Removing barriers

In addition, the programme broadens access to continuing education and seeks to remove the economic barriers that could hinder the updating of knowledge, promoting equity and professional development for all Madrid lawyers.

‘We want every member to feel that their membership fee is not an expense, but an investment. We want them to see the ICAM not only as an institution, but as a real ally in advancing their career,’ concluded Ribón.

Halfway through the term of office

The launch of this plan coincides with the halfway point of the term of office of the Board led by Dean Eugenio Ribón, which has achieved milestones such as the recent official approval of the ICAM University Centre and the purchase of its headquarters building on Calle Serrano.

In addition, ICAM promotes the defence of the profession and the promotion of institutional influence. For example, it has increased collegiate protection to 83%. On the other hand, they have launched the ‘112 Abogacía’ service, a 24/7 emergency line to request the immediate suspension of procedural deadlines for serious reasons. Added to this is the legislative proposal drawn up by the ICAM, with the support of the Solicitors (ICPM), to create a Single Register of Professional Incapacities, with the aim of guaranteeing the effective protection of lawyers in situations of illness, accident or unforeseen incapacity, thus reinforcing their right to work-life balance and to the dignified exercise of their profession.

The Bar Association has also been actively involved in parliamentary debates and justice reforms, with amendments accepted in the Organic Law on the Right to Defence, proposals on professional secrecy, free legal aid, fees, MASC, etc.

They have also achieved increases in remuneration scales (13%) for duty lawyers. Achievements in training, entrepreneurship and young people, sustainability and social actions, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Also female leadership.

Progress in other areas of government

In addition to these advances, there have been many other milestones promoted by the different areas of responsibility of the members of the Governing Board. In training, the consolidation of the Executive Programme for Directors in Corporate Governance, aimed at senior management lawyers, is noteworthy. The role of the ICAM Arbitration Court has also been strengthened, with an action plan to position it as a leading institution in business arbitration, and a new portal on regulations has been created in the reserved area: normativa 360º. In the area of immigration, the ICAM has organised its 1st Immigration Congress and has expanded its online application and procedure services through the Mercurio platform. Finally, in 2025, the Governing Board inaugurated the ICAM Museum of Law.