What can I do internationally with a law degree?

Asked by: Electa Schumm  |  Last update: August 9, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (68 votes)

A degree in the subject can open opportunities to both a regular law career and employment with government or international organizations.
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Here are nine jobs you might consider if you have a degree in international law:
  • Mediator. ...
  • Law professor. ...
  • Judge. ...
  • Policy analyst. ...
  • Legal adviser. ...
  • Attorney. ...
  • Diplomat. ...
  • Chief legal officer.

Can you work internationally with a law degree?

There are many opportunities to acquire international experience while a law student— from externing at an international law or policy government office domestically to interning at a US embassy abroad— and even more opportunities for recent law graduates and long-time practitioners to pursue an international career.

What type of lawyers work internationally?

There are many different types of international lawyers, including business or corporate attorneys, government-based lawyers, and private practitioners specializing in human rights and immigration laws. The International Law Commission is an organ of the United Nations, which is headquartered in New York City.

What should I major in if I want to be an international lawyer?

While there isn't a specific area of study that's required, many law students have undergraduate degrees in history, economics, political science, government, or international studies. Learning a foreign language can also benefit your future career.

Is a US law degree valid in other countries?

Unfortunately, United States law schools provide a JD (Juris Doctor) degree, which is not recognized on an international level.

How to Choose a Career in International Law?

39 related questions found

Can you practice law in Europe with a US degree?

It's easier to practice law for an American in a place like Belgium or Germany because they allow foreigners to practice their own law, even though they are resident lawyers in those particular jurisdictions. And they don't have to become qualified under the local law.

Can an American lawyer practice in Dubai?

Foreign lawyers can practice local law, but only a Dubai national can appear in court in Dubai.

Can lawyers work in the UN?

Admission to the practice of law in the Member State of the candidate's nationality or in another Member State of the United Nations is required. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the university degree in law recognized by the United Nations.

What jobs do international lawyers do?

Becoming an international lawyer means settling international disputes like trade, business and criminal issues. Their job includes drafting legal documents, researching laws on an international level and representing clients in the court.

How can one become an international lawyer?

How to Become a Public International Lawyer
  1. Pursue an LLM or Ph. ...
  2. Find an area of public international law expertise you'd like to specialise in and look at which law firms deal with those relevant issues.
  3. Find an internship in international institutions or courts that deal with relevant issues.

Can I live abroad as a lawyer?

While many American attorneys may not consider moving to another country when they get out of law school, it is worthwhile to note that a legal career overseas may be a viable option for many American attorneys.

Can I work in the UK with a US law degree?

"Assuming you have a US law degree, to qualify as a solicitor in the UK you must pass a US state bar exam and gain two years of common law practice experience. Then you can complete the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (far easier than a US bar exam).

Can I use my JD in Europe?

4 attorney answers

A J.D. would be largely worthless in Europe or any foreign jurisdiction.

What type of lawyer travels the most?

Both careers, whether as a lawyer working for a firm, or a lawyer employed as in-house counsel tend to involve a lot of travel, particularly if you find work with a large national or multi-national corporation.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice area
  • Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Employment lawyer: $87,000.
  • Real Estate attorney: $86,000.
  • Divorce attorney: $84,000.
  • Immigration attorney: $84,000.
  • Estate attorney: $83,000.
  • Public Defender: $63,000.

What do international lawyers earn?

Salary Ranges for International Lawyers

The salaries of International Lawyers in the US range from $95,000 to $160,000 , with a median salary of $160,000 . The middle 50% of International Lawyers makes $95,000, with the top 75% making $192,000.

Is it worth studying international law?

International Law degree graduates can find work that is both exciting and highly satisfying. Salaries depend on the nature of the job you choose, which can be short-term, project-based or long-term, but the field is very competitive and getting a job right after graduation may not be an easy task.

How do I become a UN human rights lawyer?

Explore the path to becoming a human rights lawyer by browsing these important steps:
  1. Earn your undergraduate degree. ...
  2. Sign up for humanitarian and legal internships. ...
  3. Study for the LSAT. ...
  4. Choose a law school with a strong human rights program. ...
  5. Participate in legal clinics. ...
  6. Pass the bar exam. ...
  7. Apply for law jobs.

Who sets international law?

Since most international law is governed by treaties, it's usually up to the individual nations to enforce the law. However, there are a few international organizations that enforce certain treaties. The most notable example is the United Nations, which has 192 member states.

Why do lawyers exist?

The general reasoning behind the importance of lawyers is that all human beings are equal, and each person deserves an equal opportunity to receive legal justice. Because lawyers are readily available to people across the United States, people have a decent chance at accessing the justice that is due to them.

How much is a lawyer paid in Dubai?

The average salary for lawyers who qualified less than four years is 31,000 dirhams, with the highest salary reported in this range being 66,000 dirhams in the banking and financial services sector.

How much do attorneys make in Dubai?

The average earnings of freshly qualified lawyers in the UAE can range anywhere between AED 195,000 – AED 325,000. A 9 years experienced lawyer can earn as mush as AED 895,000 in a year.

What can I do with a law degree in Dubai?

The common career route for LLB graduates is that of a solicitor or barrister, but there are many related sectors where a Law degree is also highly desired. These include: business (including Human Resources, Tax and Insurance), charity, management or administration.

Can an American lawyer work in Italy?

However, an American attorney can still get hired and practice law in Italy without going through this process, he or she just has to practice American law, not Italian law;[14] JD holders can live in Italy and give legal consultation on American law.

Can an American lawyer practice in Switzerland?

Any admitted attorney can represent clients in any area of law in front of all courts in Switzerland, cantonal or federal. A distinction between barristers and solicitors is unknown to the Swiss legal profession.