Is it hard to get a job in international law?

Asked by: Dr. Cristina Walsh  |  Last update: May 9, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Yes, getting a job in international law is generally hard and highly competitive, requiring advanced education (like an LL.M.), strong language skills, relevant experience (internships, publications), and extensive networking, with many junior roles being low-paying or unpaid initially, making it a challenging but rewarding field for persistent individuals.

Are international lawyers in demand?

Career benefits

Diversity: Working with a range of clients including governments, NGOs, IGOs or multinational corporations. Demand: Enjoying high demand due to the increasing need for legal experts in cross-border transactions and international policy.

How hard is it to get into international law?

It requires a strong academic background, proficiency in multiple languages, and often additional specialized training or experience in international law. Gaining admission to top law schools with strong international law programs can also be highly competitive, making the path demanding for many aspiring lawyers.

What jobs can you get if you study international law?

The available career paths for an international lawyer can be broken down into law firms, federal government, corporate counsel, international organizations and nonprofit groups. Private Law Firms handle most international business transactions, although the degree varies on the specialty of the firm.

Is it hard to be a UN lawyer?

You must also possess strong legal judgment, excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and the capacity to draft clear and concise legal papers under pressure. Skills in data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes and communicate findings to management will be beneficial.

How to Become an International Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide)

41 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

Does the UN hire Americans?

The UN system has a variety of staffing portals to capture employment data in the UN Secretariat and other parts of the UN system. Not counting employment with the UN Secretariat, as of December 31, 2023, there were 3,255 individuals identified as U.S. citizens employed at 38 entities within the UN system.

Where do most international lawyers work?

Most US lawyers practicing private sector international law do so in domestic offices, particularly on the coasts – New York, DC, and Los Angeles. Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Chicago also have strong international practices.

Which field of law is the highest paid?

The most lucrative types of law generally involve high-stakes corporate matters, intellectual property (especially patents), and large-scale litigation like medical malpractice or securities law, with Patent Attorneys, Corporate Lawyers, and Intellectual Property Lawyers** often topping salary lists due to specialized skills and demand, alongside top-tier Big Law partners in transactional or litigation roles. While patent law requires a STEM background, corporate law involves M&A, tax, and securities, while litigation can yield huge contingency fees.
 

Why go into international law?

International law is critical to relationships among different nations and forms an important part of business practice in an increasingly interconnected global economy, making it a deeply impactful legal field....

What do the top 1% of lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers in the U.S. earn significantly more, often reaching into the high six figures and even millions annually, with top earners in "Big Law" (large firms) making starting salaries well over $200k, and senior partners potentially earning millions, especially in high-demand areas like corporate, IP, or patent law in major cities like New York, D.C., or California, far surpassing the median lawyer salary of around $135k-$140k.
 

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

Is 27 too late for law school?

No, 27 is not too old for law school; it's a common age, and life experience from that age often strengthens applications, bringing maturity, focus, and valuable perspectives, with many successful lawyers starting in their late 20s or even later, making it a non-issue for admissions or career success. 

Which law is highest in demand?

Which law specialization is the most demanding in India? Corporate Law, Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Banking & Finance Law are the most demanding due to business growth and digital expansion.

What is the most feared law firm in the world?

The firm consistently ranked as the "most feared" in litigation by legal decision-makers, according to BTI Consulting Group, is Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, known for its intense, no-holds-barred trial approach, often appearing at the top of lists alongside other formidable firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson Dunn.
 

What jobs can I get with IR?

With an International Relations (IR) background, you can get jobs in government (diplomat, intelligence analyst, policy advisor), non-profits (aid worker, human rights officer), business (consultant, international marketing, finance), law (international lawyer), media (journalist), and international organizations (UN, World Bank) in roles like research, analysis, development, and program coordination, focusing on global affairs, policy, economics, and security. 

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

To earn $500,000+ as a lawyer, you need to specialize in high-value areas (corporate, IP, high-stakes litigation, medical malpractice) or join a "Big Law" firm, become an equity partner, develop a strong reputation, or build a large practice in fields like plaintiff's personal injury on contingency, often requiring strategic marketing, a scalable firm model, and diverse income streams beyond billable hours. 

Can a lawyer make $1 million a year?

Yes, lawyers can make $1 million a year, but it's not typical for most; it's usually achieved by partners in large corporate firms, elite trial lawyers handling high-stakes cases (often on contingency), or entrepreneurial lawyers who own successful firms in lucrative fields like intellectual property, with specialization and business acumen being key. While average salaries are much lower, top earners in specific high-value niches or those leveraging firm growth strategies can reach or exceed this income level. 

Which country pays lawyers the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

What is the #1 law firm in the world?

The "number 1" law firm depends on the metric, but Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks as the top firm globally by revenue, grossing over $8.8 billion in 2024, and leads in areas like private equity and M&A. Other top contenders by size and revenue include Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper, and Baker McKenzie, while firms like Quinn Emanuel are recognized as "most feared" in litigation, showing rankings vary by focus.
 

What jobs can you get with international law?

International law careers offer diverse paths in law firms, governments, corporations, and NGOs, focusing on public international law (treaties, human rights, diplomacy) or private international law (business transactions, trade). Key roles include diplomats, international trade lawyers, human rights advocates, policy advisors, and legal officers in organizations like the UN or ICC, with opportunities in private practice, academia, government service (like the State Department), and international tribunals, often requiring specialization and advanced degrees (JD/LLM).
 

Is international law hard to learn?

The education for an international lawyer is rigorous. The education process includes law school and additional training in international law. Aspiring lawyers pursue degrees in international relations or related fields. The background prepares the lawyers for the complexities of international legal issues.

Which degree is best for UN?

Examples of what to study to increase your chances to work in the UN system?

  • Development studies.
  • Human rights.
  • International relations.
  • International Development.
  • International Law.
  • Communication.
  • Journalism.
  • Public administration.

What jobs are the least stressful?

Least stressful jobs often involve predictable tasks, creative autonomy, and less life-or-death pressure, with examples including Historians, Cartographers, Medical Records Technicians, Hairstylists, Massage Therapists, Librarians, IT Support/Data Analysts, and Technical Writers, many offering good work-life balance and potential for remote or flexible work.
 

How hard is it to get into UN?

To get a job at the UN you need an advanced university degree, fluency in English or French, ideally prior work and professional experience depending on the grade at which you hope to enter.