An Inspiration Break by Patricia Saiz, Associate Professor and Director of International Relations at ESADE Law School

"I am passionate about teaching – I find it fascinating to watch my students acquire new concepts and articulate ideas, and mature professionally and personally right before my eyes"

Why did you decide to go into international arbitration and international relations management?

I started out in international arbitration as a practising lawyer. It is an exciting field that has many features I was drawn to. It provides a constant intellectual challenge and requires strong analytical skills. It also allows extensive around-the-world travel and requires dealing continuously with foreign cultures and foreign national laws. Arbitration hearings are also packed with adrenaline – which I enjoyed tremendously. All in all, I really enjoyed being an advocate for my clients at critical times when they felt they needed a lawyer the most.

As an ESADE faculty member now, I am in charge of the international relations of the law school. I tend to gravitate towards positions with a strong international component. Focusing on the law school’s international relations allows me to stay connected to the international community of students and faculty, to discover new places, and to continue to be exposed to, and enriched by, other cultures.

How did you become a university profesor and how did you end up at the Department of Law at ESADE?

Back in 2014, I was living in Washington, D.C. and working as a practising lawyer in the international arbitration field at a U.S. law firm. One day I got a call from Eduardo Berché, the ESADE Law School dean, who invited me to join ESADE as a faculty member. I very much liked his long-term vision for the law school (which, incidentally, happens to be my alma mater). He was also keen on promoting international arbitration, from both a research and teaching perspective. A few months later, I packed my things and moved to Barcelona. I had always had a penchant for teaching and educating junior lawyers – which has now turned into a passion and a full-time career. I try to help our students realise their full potential, especially helping them understand that the opportunities they are presented with have no physical boundaries. I am a strong supporter of internationalisation in the legal education field, especially because it has been so critical in my career.

What aspect of what you do here at ESADE are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about teaching – I find it fascinating to watch my students acquire new concepts and articulate ideas, and mature professionally and personally right before my eyes. I particularly enjoy those rare moments when, as a professor, I have an opportunity to touch someone’s life in a meaningful way, and to guide, mentor and develop others.

Where do you get inspiration when you need ideas?

I typically look to my colleagues and my mentors… I love to brainstorm. Also, I try to keep an eye on developments in the arbitration field in different countries around the world. Different jurisdictions and arbitral institutions respond to long-standing challenges in different and creative ways, and I find it inspiring to see how others deal with a particular issue I may be confronted with.

What do you do when you need to unwind?

I do Pilates often. I am also a fan of electronic music, and I unwind by looking for new sounds and tunes that inspire me.

What is your biggest dream as a researcher in international arbitration?

I hope my teaching and mentoring activity continues to have an impact on the lives of my students – that’s what I find most satisfying. I also hope to contribute, through my research, to the improvement and promotion of international arbitration as a dispute-resolution mechanism.

What is the phrase / song / book or movie that you always remember?

“Seize the day.” It reminds me to stay present and focus on the here and now.