International law covers the conduct of nations, people, and organizations in international activities. Lawyers with international experience can work for governments, NGOs, and corporations. Experience in a specific legal field is preferred, and cross-cultural and language skills are valuable. Working on international projects and living abroad can help secure international law jobs.
International law concerns the conduct of nations, persons and organizations engaged in international activities. International law work relates to a variety of areas, from human rights, migration and international development to international trade and investment. Securing the best international law jobs takes patience and, more commonly, a lot of experience and specialized education. Lawyers with an international focus can find employment with national governments, international and not-for-profit organizations, and private companies.
People typically start careers in international law in their home countries. Preference for higher-paying jobs is usually given to candidates with experience in a specific legal field. That particular experience is sometimes more easily gained at home before going abroad.
Large corporate law firms often have an international department. Projects managed by these companies can include infrastructure and development projects, cross-border mergers and countless other activities. Working on these projects is an excellent way to gain experience and build contacts. These companies can also provide a bridge to work opportunities with sister companies or partners in other countries.
National governments are an excellent place to look for a variety of jobs in international law. In addition to work related to diplomatic missions within a department of foreign or international affairs, there are many other government departments that may have international activities that require legal support; for example, environmental departments can work with other countries to implement agreements, as occurred with the Kyoto Protocol agreement.
Another important source for jobs in international law is the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. Working for these organizations often involves unique intellectual and emotional challenges as well as rewards. Selfless work has a reputation for being underpaid, but there are opportunities for specialist lawyers to earn good salaries by helping these organizations affect positive change in the world. Previous experience living internationally is a common requirement for many senior roles.
While it takes a bit of courage, once a person has gained some experience and legal training at home, the best way to find work abroad is to take a risk and go to one of the countries where the organizations that interest you are operating. Even if the dream job in international law cannot be achieved immediately, the best way to get in the door is to already be living and working in the country where that door and the organization for which it exists.
In addition to proper legal studies, there are other skills that jobs in international law often require. Strong candidates typically develop cross-cultural skills and are able to work effectively in very diverse teams and in work environments that may be different from their home country. Strong language skills can also set a candidate apart when applying to organizations where multiple languages are used.
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