Ainhoa Gutierrez Barrenengoa

Ainhoa Gutierrez Barrenengoa is a Professor at the University of Deusto's Law School in the Department of Public Law. With over two decades of academic experience, she has established herself as a leading scholar in civil procedure law, disability rights, and the digital transformation of justice systems. Her work bridges traditional legal frameworks with contemporary challenges posed by technology and social change.

Her research interests span multiple interconnected domains that reflect the evolving nature of legal practice. Gutierrez Barrenengoa has pioneered work on disability rights and access to justice, examining how legal systems can better accommodate persons with disabilities through procedural adjustments. She has also made significant contributions to understanding digital health law, particularly regarding telemedicine regulation and patient data privacy. Her scholarship on transgender rights, especially concerning minors' legal recognition across registries, education, and healthcare systems, demonstrates her commitment to inclusive legal frameworks. Additionally, she has extensively researched alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, exploring how mediation and conciliation can complement traditional judicial processes.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward the digital transformation of legal systems. Since 2020, over 60% of her work has focused on electronic court proceedings, videoconferencing in trials, digital transparency requirements, and the legal implications of emerging technologies like robotics. This shift reflects both her adaptability as a scholar and the growing importance of technology in legal practice. Her work consistently connects theoretical legal frameworks with practical implementation challenges, particularly regarding accessibility for vulnerable populations.

• Director of Revista Derecho, Empresa y Sociedad (RDES) (2013-2025)
• Member of Editorial Committee of Revista Derecho, Empresa y Sociedad (RDES) (2013-2025)

Gutierrez Barrenengoa has supervised multiple doctoral students and served on thesis committees for significant legal research projects. Her current research portfolio includes projects funded by the European Commission (Decision-making framework for environmental policies), the Basque Government (Legal tools for transgender protection), and institutional initiatives (Digital Health: Technological and Scientific Challenges). She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams spanning law, technology, healthcare, and social sciences. Her innovative approach to legal education includes integrating clinical legal education with service learning to address Sustainable Development Goals within law school curricula.