Alumni Spotlight | Eva Brás Pinho (LL.M.’22, MTL’23)
In this article, we are thrilled to highlight our alumna Eva Brás Pinho. Eva's fervor for European law, litigation and politics has propelled her along an extraordinary career trajectory since obtaining her LL.M. in Law in a European and Global Context and her Master in Transnational Law. Notably, she was elected to the Portuguese Parliament in 2024.
This edition of our Alumni Spotlight series explores Eva’s accomplishments, giving us a glimpse of her life at Católica Global School of Law and of the significant contributions she has made in her professional life since graduating.
Can you share with our readers the path that eventually led you to become a member of Parliament?
I grew up in a family where political discussions were frequent, and from an early age, I was encouraged to think critically about social issues and public policies. My parents often explained that I was privileged to have grown up in a secure family environment with good economic conditions that allowed me to study and aspire to be anything I wanted—a privilege not all children share. This awareness of social inequality made it clear to me that I needed to contribute actively so that everyone, regardless of their background, could dare to dream in equal measure. This environment led me to become actively engaged in civic and political initiatives.
During high school, I had my first hands-on experience with politics when I participated in Parlamento dos Jovens, a national program that allows students to simulate the work of Members of Parliament. Through this program, I had the opportunity to debate legislative proposals in the Portuguese Parliament, experiencing firsthand the role I hold today. This transformative experience strengthened my passion for public service and cemented my belief in the importance of political participation.
At 16, I joined the youth organization of my political party, the Social Democrats, marking the beginning of my political journey. From that moment on, I became increasingly involved in both the youth and territorial structures of the party. Simultaneously, I actively participated in student associations, both in high school and later at university. This dual involvement allowed me to develop essential leadership skills and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Over the years, I gained valuable experience both politically and professionally. In the 2021 local elections, I was elected as a member of the municipal assembly. This role provided practical experience in scrutinizing executive bodies, contributing to policy-making, and engaging in local governance. Working closely with my community—debating solutions and advocating for change—reinforced my commitment to public service and deepened my understanding of political processes.
All these experiences combined paved the way for my election to the Portuguese Parliament in 2024. As a Member of Parliament, I now have the privilege of working on national and European legislative matters, contributing to debates, and shaping policies that impact citizens’ lives. Looking back, I recognize that every step—whether in student politics, local governance, or party structures—was essential in preparing me to serve with dedication and competence. Politics is a continuous learning process, and I remain committed to making a meaningful impact.
How do you think your time at Católica Global School of Law helped you prepare for your current role?
My time at Católica Global School of Law was instrumental in shaping my legal and political skills, equipping me with the tools necessary to navigate both national and European legislative processes. One of the most valuable aspects of the LL.M. program was the Socratic method, which sharpened my ability to think critically, articulate arguments with precision, and respond to challenging questions on the spot—essential skills for both a lawyer and a member of parliament.
Additionally, the Skills Seminars, particularly the ones on Negotiation and Legal Writing, provided practical tools that I now use daily. Negotiating with colleagues from different political backgrounds requires diplomacy, the ability to find common ground, and strategic communication—skills that were honed in the Negotiation seminar. Likewise, as a legislator, precise legal drafting is fundamental, and the Legal Writing seminar provided me with a strong foundation in that area.
Beyond these technical skills, the international and European law courses I took have proven to be particularly relevant. As a Member of the European Affairs Commission, I frequently analyze and debate European directives. Courses such as European Integration and EU Fundamental Rights provided me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical insights needed to interpret and apply European law effectively.
Moreover, I have represented the Portuguese Parliament at the European Parliament for inter-parliamentary meetings. Additionally, before every meeting of the European Council, the Portuguese Parliament holds preparatory debates with the Prime Minister. Afterwards, in the Commission, we meet with the Secretary of State for European Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the outcomes. Understanding the institutional dynamics of the European Union—how its bodies operate and, crucially, how its legislative process unfolds—has made me significantly more prepared to engage with these matters.
What advice do you have for our current students or applicants who aspire to make an impact in politics and lawmaking?
For those aspiring to a career in politics and lawmaking, my first piece of advice is to build a strong legal foundation. Preparation and study are fundamental in everything we do. Taking the time to research, read, and analyze issues in depth brings rigor and competence to our work. A deep understanding of the law is crucial—not only for drafting legislation but also for interpreting its real-world implications. At Católica, I learned how to think critically, analyze legal texts in depth, and engage in meaningful debate, all of which are essential skills for any legislator.
Moreover, I advise you to develop your public speaking and negotiation skills. Politics is about dialogue, persuasion, and compromise. Being an MP means working with people from different backgrounds, often with opposing views. The ability to articulate your position clearly, while also finding common ground, is key to achieving meaningful results. For me, participating in legal clinics and debating complex legal issues in an international classroom setting helped refine these skills.
Another lesson I’ve learned is the value of persistence and resilience. Politics, like law, is challenging and often unpredictable. There will be setbacks, and not every proposal will be immediately accepted. However, as I have come to realize, ideas make their way. Even when change seems slow, good and well-founded proposals can gain traction over time. Staying committed to your principles, continuously improving your knowledge, and remaining engaged in public service will make a difference in the long run.
That being said, I firmly believe that politics should never be seen as a career path, but rather as a means to serve the community—whether that community is our municipality, our country, the European Union, or even the world. Public service should be driven by a genuine desire to contribute, one of the most important things in both politics and life is to never be indifferent to what happens around us. If something can be improved, if there is an issue that affects people’s lives, then we should feel a responsibility to act.
Finally, I encourage you to seek out real-world experience early on—whether through student associations, internships, or involvement in political organizations. Taking the first step, even in a small way, can open doors to greater opportunities in the future.
For those with a passion for law, politics and lawmaking, the path may not always be easy, but it is undoubtedly rewarding.