María Gutiérrez Rico

Holding a degree in Law, International Relations and European Union from CEU San Pablo University and a Master's degree for Bar Admission with a specialisation in Criminal Law, she has a solid legal background oriented towards professional practice, with a particular focus on Criminal Law and Criminology.

Her profile has been enriched by international experience gained during her Erasmus exchange in Brussels, as well as her participation in the ELSA Spain Moot Court Competition. She has taken part in pro bono legal assistance projects, which have allowed her to put her knowledge at the service of social causes and reaffirm her commitment to a responsible and engaged practice of law. She has also completed her training through internships in the courts and in the legal services of UNICEF, experiences that gave her first-hand insight into the workings of the administration of justice and deepened her understanding of the legal protection of children, an area to which she is particularly committed.

Her profile is characterised by a particular focus on offences against persons, especially those relating to sexual integrity, gender-based violence, child offences, and family rights and obligations, as well as by an interest in psychology and criminology as disciplines that illuminate the social and human dynamics underlying criminal behaviour. She approaches Criminal Law not merely as a legal instrument, but as a tool for the protection of rights that demands humanity, precision and responsibility.

She speaks Spanish and English, and has a working knowledge of French, enabling her to operate effectively in international legal contexts.