The Ibero-American legal profession: A strategic pillar for shared prosperity

By Teresa Mínguez, member of the board of the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM), responsible for International Relations

In Ibero-America’s pursuit of justice and prosperity, the legal profession plays a foundational role—not merely interpreting laws, but shaping democratic values, securing institutional stability, and building public trust in turbulent times. At a moment marked by geopolitical tension, institutional erosion and technological disruption, the Ibero-American legal community is called upon to be a proactive force for cohesion, progress and reform.

Defending the rule of law is no longer a matter of idealism—it is an economic and democratic imperative. Countries with robust legal systems and lower corruption levels record growth rates up to two percentage points higher than those without (World Bank). In Latin America, delays in contract enforcement—averaging 768 days and exceeding 1,200 in Colombia—combined with prohibitive litigation costs, such as Chile’s 25% claim value threshold, form structural barriers to investment and inclusive development.

This is the core message of the ICAM International Summit 2025, currently taking place in Madrid: without the rule of law, there is no sustainable development. Legal uncertainty deters investment, corruption drains talent, and the erosion of judicial independence weakens citizens’ confidence in democracy. In the face of such trends, lawyers cannot remain passive observers. With integrity, technical competence and public commitment, the legal profession must act as a guarantor of legal security, access to justice, and democratic resilience.

One of the most symbolic moments of the Summit is the opening address delivered by the President-elect of Venezuela. A country that currently ranks 142nd out of 142 in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Venezuela embodies the consequences of institutional collapse: judicial co-optation, democratic repression, legal arbitrariness and a humanitarian crisis that has driven over seven million citizens into exile. The path to recovery—social, political and economic—begins with a restoration of legality, judicial independence and civic trust.

What unites us as Ibero-American legal actors is far stronger than what divides us. Europe and Latin America share a common legal heritage, a constitutional culture and an increasingly interconnected economic future. The new EU–Latin America and Caribbean Agenda acknowledges this strategic alignment, underlining the need to jointly strengthen supply chains, advance multilateralism, and promote regulatory convergence in critical fields such as energy, sustainability and the digital economy.

In this context, the role of legal professionals is being redefined. No longer confined to national jurisdictions, today’s lawyers must navigate transnational challenges—from digital rights and environmental law to international arbitration and cross-border compliance. Legal practice becomes more global, comparative and ethically demanding. Bar associations must be central to this transformation, fostering trust, excellence and institutional cooperation.

At ICAM, we fully embrace this evolution. ICAM University, launched in partnership with the Complutense University of Madrid, embodies a structural investment in academic excellence, cross-border dialogue and next-generation legal leadership. Our cooperation with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and more than thirty signed agreements with Latin American bar associations, are tangible steps towards a common legal space rooted in democratic values.

Sustainability and energy transition feature prominently at the Summit. Legal certainty is indispensable to ensure that the green transformation is not only technologically feasible, but also socially legitimate. This requires designing reliable legal frameworks, enabling transparent public-private partnerships, safeguarding the rights of affected communities, and holding states accountable to their climate commitments. Lawyers play a critical role in building these frameworks and ensuring inclusive and rights-based transitions.

The legal profession must also take a leading role in the recovery and strengthening of the rule of law in Ibero-America. This includes actively defending access to justice—especially for vulnerable groups—promoting institutional and legal reforms that enhance transparency and judicial efficiency, and exercising critical oversight of public power through strategic litigation, constitutional actions, and collective legal remedies. Continuous professional training and a strong ethical framework are essential to ensure independent legal practice aligned with the public good. Bar associations, in turn, must serve as platforms for transnational legal cooperation and guardians of democratic standards.

The Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid (ICAM) leads this agenda across the region. We participate in major legal forums such as the Ibero-American Energy Congress, the UIBA annual meetings, and the Legal G20, which brings together the world’s twenty largest bar associations. We strengthen diplomatic and legal ties with Latin American institutions, hold dialogues on judicial reform, and issue public statements on matters of institutional concern—such as the erosion of judicial independence in Mexico. Through over 30 cooperation agreements, a landmark partnership with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the launch of ICAM Universidad, and now the hosting of the ICAM 2025 International Summit, we help shape a new, cohesive Ibero-American legal community, one that stands united in defence of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

It is both a professional honour and a personal privilege to coordinate the ICAM International Summit 2025: an initiative born of months of rigorous preparation and strategic engagement with colleagues, institutions, and legal communities across Ibero-America. Far from a one-off event, the Summit demonstrates the value of building bridges between jurisdictions and reaffirms our shared commitment to the rule of law as the cornerstone of a democratic and prosperous future.

As we move forward in this new chapter of Ibero-American legal integration, the legal profession must continue to lead with vigilance, vision, and shared responsibility.

The future of our region depends not only on sound economic policies or political reform, but on our unwavering commitment to the principles that hold democracies together: justice, legality, and the rule of law.