Where did you work before coming to Bucerius?
I worked at Barros & Errázuriz, one of Chile's largest law firms, with offices also in New York. I spent 4 years in their Corporate–M&A group, where I worked on cross-border M&A and financing transactions across a range of strategic industries. Many of these matters involved multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and LatAm.
The firm's leading position in the LatAm market not only gave me the opportunity to be exposed from the very beginning to high-level transactions, but also to very experienced mentors and sophisticated clients. That gives you a privileged insight into how big projects are brought to life, and I appreciated that very much.
Why did you decide to study in Germany?
Studying in Europe, and particularly in Germany, offers a clear strategic advantage as the EU single market is the second largest market in the world – and Germany is the main economic and political driver of that market, with a huge influence on how the EU economy works.
From this perspective, Germany stands out as a great environment for lawyers operating globally, as it sits at the very heart of the EU market, making it an ideal place to gain a deep, first-hand understanding of its business and legal dynamics.
And on top of that, Germany has an incredibly rich legal culture, which has influenced many legal systems within the EU and around the world. Getting to learn it first-hand is a genuine privilege.
What makes the MLB Program so special in your opinion?
The Bucerius MLB Program is truly unique in Europe. During my experience as a corporate attorney, where I was involved not only in large M&A and financing transactions, but also in complex venture capital and Fintech projects, I noticed that even though we lawyers really make our best effort to understand the business of our clients and align with their mindsets — which I believe is essential to providing a top-tier service — there are still relevant gaps due to our different professional backgrounds. The MLB Program has proven capable of filling that gap seamlessly by connecting both sides of the rope.
Firstly, its curriculum is evenly split between business and legal courses. The business courses provide an in-depth approach on the relevant financial, economic, tax, accounting and management disciplines, and are taught by renowned professionals from the most prestigious firms and institutions in Germany –such as WHU, the country’s top business school. Secondly, the Program manages to successfully integrate all the different law and business courses, allowing for a global picture of how all these elements interplay in practice. That is something I had not seen before.
In addition, the MLB provides deep insight into European and German markets, institutions, and legal frameworks, always contrasting them with other key jurisdictions, which is extraordinarily useful. It also places a strong emphasis on technology and its impact across law and business, which from my perspective is essential for any professional in today’s world. Finally, its diverse student body, with backgrounds in both law and business, helps shape a mindset that bridges both dimensions.
After extensive research, I can confidently say that no other program offers such a comprehensive education, which is just another demonstration of why Bucerius Law School stands out as best and most prestigious one in Germany. I honestly couldn’t be happier with my decision.
What are the biggest differences between Germany and Chile?
Professionally, I honestly don’t see that many differences. The work ethic and professional standards are quite similar, at least in the fields where I’ve developed my career. But when it comes to social and cultural aspects, the contrasts are more noticeable.
One thing that really stands out to me is communication style. In Germany, people are wonderfully direct — they say what they think in a very clear and straightforward way. In Chile, we tend to wrap our opinions a little more carefully, making sure we don’t sound too blunt or impolite. So at first, that level of directness can be a bit surprising for us. But once you understand that it comes from a place of honesty and not rudeness, it actually makes things much easier and more transparent. I’ve come to really appreciate that.
What’s an experience in Hamburg that is completely new to you?
I was pretty surprised by how much the city embraces being outdoors, no matter the weather. In Chile, if it’s raining or cold, most people prefer to stay inside. But here in Hamburg, I’ve seen people going for walks, meeting friends, or enjoying a coffee outside even on gray, rainy days, and actually having a great time.
At first, I found it surprising, but now I really like it. It’s made me appreciate how a city’s atmosphere can shape people’s habits and mindset. There’s a certain charm in seeing everyone enjoying the moment, whether it’s sunny or not.
MEET OUR MLB STUDENTS
Each year people from all over the world come to study the Bucerius Master of Law and Business. In the Meet interviews they tell their stories. Click here to get to know the other students.
ALL PORTRAITS
How do you like living in Hamburg?
I really enjoy living in Hamburg. What I love most is the city’s unique atmosphere — it has the energy of a big, international place, but it still feels very welcoming and easy to live in and fit into. I also appreciate how green and open it is, and the astonishing number of parks. You can be in the middle of the city and still feel close to nature, which is something I value a lot.
In my case, I’m now closer to my German family, so being here has allowed my wife and me to really spend quality time with them much more often.
You have experience with Fintech and Venture Capital– What are your future career plans?
Yes, Barros & Errázuriz has an outstanding Fintech and Venture Capital practice in Chile, and I had the privilege of participating very actively during my time there. From the venture capital perspective, the experience was incredible, as we had the opportunity to advise both investors and startups throughout all stages of the financing process.
That dual perspective gave me truly hands-on experience and helped me understand how each side thinks, what drives their interests and concerns, and how to build bridges between them. It was extraordinarily fulfilling being able to help founders bring innovative ideas to life, expand to new markets, and use technology to make a positive impact on society as a whole.
On the Fintech side, it was equally inspiring to support disruptive companies navigating Chile’s evolving legal landscape, particularly after the enactment of the Chilean Fintech Act in January 2023, which created a fertile ground for innovation in Chile.
The new framework has energized the ecosystem, and firms like Barros & Errázuriz have played a key role in accompanying companies and working along with authorities throughout the implementation process to ensure Chile becomes a true technological hub in the region. Working with such knowledgeable lawyers and forward-thinking clients was profoundly enriching.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing my career in M&A, Venture Capital, and Fintech, as I’m convinced these areas are powerful engines of innovation, economic growth and social progress.
What advice would you give to future students coming to Bucerius?
Deciding to pursue a Master’s degree is never easy, especially when it means studying abroad and facing such an overwhelming range of options. But for those looking for a program that truly integrates law and business in a comprehensive and practical way, I can confidently say there’s nothing quite like the Master of Law and Business at Bucerius.
If you’re still uncertain about which path to take but know you want to explore the intersection of these two worlds, I’d most certainly encourage you to apply. And if you’ve already been privileged enough to be accepted, you can be sure that the experience will be genuinely unique.
Europe is currently one of the most dynamic markets in the world, and Germany stands at its core as one of its main drivers. The country’s rich legal tradition and vibrant business environment make it the perfect setting for students and professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of both fields. It is crystal clear to me that Bucerius, being the top law school in Germany, has identified this reality and made the best out of it by offering a Master Program that, in my opinion, captures the very essence of what makes this environment so exceptional.
Finally, the fact that the MLB takes place in one of the most beautiful cities of Germany is just the cherry of the cake. I believe the students coming to Bucerius should really appreciate this.
Vicente, Thanks for the interview!
