Maria Ramona Bodescu Pascariu, an illustrious lawyer and mediator in Spain
Maria Ramona Bodescu Pascariu is a lawyer and mediator of Romanian origin with a distinguished career in the legal field. Holding degrees in law from both Romania and Spain, Ramona Bodescu has cultivated her expertise in various branches of law, including civil, commercial, real estate, and family law.
In 2013, she founded her own law firm with offices in Benicarló and Castellón de la Plana, both located in the Valencian Community. Through her law offices, she provides legal services to individuals and businesses in Spain. With a series of studies and specializations in law and mediation, Ramona Bodescu is known for her professional approach and dedication to resolving complex cases and sensitive legal issues in the Valencian Community of the Kingdom of Spain. Her areas of specialization range from Private International Law to Family Law. With her extensive skills, she contributes to resolving various legal matters and facilitating mediation in challenging situations.
Maria Ramona Bodescu Pascariu was nominated in the „We Support Excellence!” Romanian excellence campaign outside the borders of Romania, fourth edition, 2023-2024, launched by Occidentul Românesc on January 15, 2015.
What inspired you to choose a career as a lawyer and mediator, and how did you specialize in these fields?
As the primary source of inspiration for choosing and developing a career in law, I can sincerely affirm that my mother was my guide, providing constant guidance and support throughout my journey. I acknowledge that every success I have achieved in my career as a lawyer is, to some extent, the result of the lessons and values I acquired from her. On challenging days, when faced with obstacles or complex decisions, I always sought the advice and wisdom of my mother. She taught me that lawyering is not just about the cold application of laws but also about being a voice for those in need, an advocate for rights, and a mediator between justice and the people I represent.
My gratitude towards my mother extends not only to the advice she shared with me but also to the example she set through her dedication and passion for justice. From her teachings, I understood that lawyering is not just a career but also a vocation, a way to make changes in the world and support just causes. Thus, every success I achieve in my career as a lawyer reflects the lessons and support provided by my mother. She is the beacon that has guided me through the complexity of this field and taught me that the power of the law must always be accompanied by responsibility and compassion. I am grateful to have had the privilege of such a valuable inspiration in my life, and because of her, I have become not only a lawyer but also an advocate for the values and principles that define us as a society.
What was the process of obtaining a law license in both Romania and Spain, and how did this influence your approach in the legal field?
The process of homologating my degree in Spain was a complex but extremely beneficial experience for my professional development in the legal field. I began my studies at Danubius University of Law in Galați and, after graduating, decided to apply for the homologation of my law degree in Spain. I had to submit the application to the Ministry of Education, and the homologation resolution was conditional on passing an aptitude test. This stage was full of surprises for both me and my tutor, involving significant decisions for the development of my career.
To meet the educational requirements necessary for the recognition of my degree, I decided to enrol in the Francisco Vitoria Law School in Madrid. This decision was motivated by the desire to better understand the differences between the Romanian and Spanish legal systems and, at the same time, obtain full recognition of my studies. With only two years to achieve this challenge, I found myself challenged to successfully combine learning and legal practice. An important moment in my career was the recognition of my Romanian studies, opening the door for me to practice as a lawyer in Spain. This achievement was not just a personal success but also a source of professional satisfaction, significantly contributing to my development as a lawyer.
Later, in 2013, I registered as a member of the Castellón de la Plana Bar Association, officially marking my entry into the Spanish legal world. To consolidate my knowledge and skills, I pursued a Master’s in Legal Practice at the International University of La Rioja and a Master’s in Family Mediation at the Jaime I University of Castellón. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being an external practice collaborator at the Jaime I University of Castellón, an opportunity that has allowed me to share my knowledge and contribute to the training of future generations of professionals in the legal field.
What advice would you give to young people aspiring to pursue a career in law and mediation?
Passion is the key to success. For those passionate about justice and peaceful conflict resolution, a career in law can be an extraordinary choice. I encourage young people with such passion to identify specific areas of law or mediation that fascinate them the most. Whatever that aspect may be, whether criminal, civil, commercial, or family law, passion will play a crucial role in their success. Practical experience from university, such as internships, placements, or volunteering at law firms or mediation centres, will provide a real perspective on what it means to work in the field of law and mediation. In both law and mediation, communication skills are essential. They should enhance their ability to speak in public, write, actively listen, and negotiate to become efficient professionals. I advise them to join student organizations, participate in conferences or events related to the field. Building a network of professionals from the student stage can open important doors in the future, and choosing mentors in this field, whether experienced lawyers or mediators with a solid career, can offer guidance, valuable advice, and a real perspective of professional life. The profession of a lawyer or mediator is not just a career but also an opportunity to make positive changes in people’s lives and in society at large. With dedication, passion, and continuous learning, they can build a successful career in law and mediation.
What are your future projects or goals in the legal and mediation field?
In the legal and mediation field, I have undertaken several projects and established clear goals to develop my expertise and contribute to the evolution of this vital field. One of my future goals is to consolidate my knowledge in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. I also have plans to actively engage in promoting mediation as a conflict resolution method, both within the legal community and among the general public. I intend to organize awareness events, write articles, and participate in debates highlighting the benefits of mediation compared to traditional judicial processes.
Another significant goal for me is to develop expertise in digital law and data protection. In the era of advanced technology, I consider it essential to understand and address legal challenges related to the use of technology and the processing of personal data. Therefore, I intend to specialize in this branch of law and participate in projects aimed at developing and improving data protection legislation.
Furthermore, my goal is to contribute to the development of the legal field through active participation in research. Obtaining a Ph.D. in law is one of my main long-term goals. This project involves in-depth and original research on a topic of interest in the legal field and will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the development of legal knowledge.
Overall, my future focus in the legal and mediation field revolves around continuous knowledge and skill development, the promotion of alternative dispute resolution methods, adaptation to technological changes, and contributing to academic progress through obtaining a Ph.D. in law. These projects reflect my commitment to contribute to the evolution of the field and offer innovative solutions in a constantly changing legal environment.
Registered by: Occidentul Romanesc
Photographs: Personal archive of Ramona Bodescu
Excerpt published in monthly edition number 153, Year XIV, January 2024.