Becoming An International Law Attorney: Challenges And Rewards

International law is a highly competitive field, and the journey to becoming an international lawyer is challenging. It requires a combination of education, skills, and practical experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become an international lawyer:

Step 1: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree

The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. While there is no specific major required, majoring in a foreign language, politics, international relations, or a related field can be advantageous.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience

Build a strong resume by participating in extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work related to law or international relations. This will enhance your application for law school.

Step 3: Build a Strong Network

Form meaningful connections with mentors, peers, and professors who can provide letters of recommendation for your law school applications.

Step 4: Prepare for the LSAT

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a crucial component of your law school application. It assesses your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. Aim for a high score to increase your chances of admission into top-ranking law schools.

Step 5: Choose a Law School

Select a law school that aligns with your goals and offers concentrations in international law. Consider the school's reputation, curriculum, and job placement rates in international law.

Step 6: Earn a Law Degree (JD)

Law school typically lasts three years and covers extensive legal studies. Work hard to maintain high grades as they will impact your future career prospects.

Step 7: Pass the MPRE Exam

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is required to practice law in most jurisdictions. It assesses your ethical and professional standards.

Step 8: Consider an LLM

Although optional, pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Law can provide additional expertise and enhance your credentials.

Step 9: Pass the Bar Exam

The final step is to pass the bar exam, which will grant you the licensing and credentials needed to practice as an independent attorney.

Becoming an international lawyer requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to the field. It is important to continuously develop your knowledge, skills, and network to increase your chances of success in this competitive field.

Education requirements

Education is a key component of becoming an international lawyer. Here are the steps you need to take:

Undergraduate Degree:

The first step is to obtain an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. While there is no specific major required, many aspiring international lawyers choose fields such as political science, international studies, economics, government, or history. This step will take around four years to complete.

Law School:

After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to attend law school. Focus on international law courses, such as comparative law, international sales and trade, foreign policy, and multinational business law. You can also start building your expertise in areas like international business law, arbitration of international disputes, or international human rights. This part of the journey will typically take three years.

Practical Experience:

During your time in law school, it is crucial to gain practical experience through internships, clinics, or other hands-on opportunities. These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also provide valuable insights into the field of international law.

Bar Exam:

The next step is to pass the bar exam, which is the classic gateway to becoming a lawyer. Consider the jurisdiction that best aligns with your career goals. For example, you can choose a UBE jurisdiction in the United States or focus on a specific country like France, which houses the ICC in Paris. Obtaining a double qualification can make you more competitive in the job market.

Master of Laws (LL.M.):

Although optional, pursuing an LL.M. can provide you with specialised knowledge in international law. This degree often allows you to sit for the bar exam in the country of study and can enhance your career prospects.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in English is essential, as it is the predominant language of international business. However, proficiency in additional languages is highly advantageous. It enables you to work with clients from different countries, facilitating effective communication and cross-cultural understanding.

Skills needed

International law is a complex and challenging field that requires a diverse set of skills. Here are the essential skills you will need to become a successful international law attorney:

• Analytical and Research Skills: International lawyers need to have a strong understanding of international laws, regulations, treaties, and policies. They must be able to analyse and interpret these complex legal documents and apply them to specific cases involving multiple jurisdictions.
• Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking: International lawyers need to be able to analyse situations correctly and form strong, logical arguments. Critical thinking skills are essential for evaluating evidence, assessing risks, and making informed decisions.
• Foreign Language Proficiency: Proficiency in multiple languages is highly advantageous for international lawyers. Their work often involves dealing with clients, colleagues, and legal systems from different countries, so language skills facilitate effective communication and cross-cultural understanding.
• Adaptability: International laws are constantly evolving, and international lawyers must stay up to date with these changes. Adaptability is crucial to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and to effectively advise clients on dynamic legal landscapes.
• Persuasion and Communication: International lawyers need to be effective communicators and persuasive advocates for their clients. They must be able to convey complex legal concepts clearly and convincingly to judges, juries, and other stakeholders. Strong communication skills also facilitate negotiations and dispute resolutions.
• Flexibility and Time Management: International law cases often involve multiple jurisdictions and time zones, requiring flexibility in work hours and the ability to manage tight deadlines. International lawyers need to be adaptable to different working environments and cultures.
• Specialised Knowledge: A solid understanding of economics, politics, and world issues is essential for international lawyers. This knowledge enables them to provide context and strategic advice to their clients, especially in areas such as international trade, diplomacy, and humanitarian law.
• Attention to Detail: International legal work demands precision and accuracy in drafting contracts, researching case law, and analysing data. Attention to detail helps ensure compliance with specific regulations and reduces the risk of errors in high-stakes situations.
• Teamwork: While lawyers often work independently, complex international cases may require collaboration with other legal professionals, experts, and support staff. Strong teamwork skills enable effective collaboration, delegation, and a shared commitment to achieving favourable outcomes for clients.
• Creative Problem-Solving: International law cases can present unique challenges and complex issues. Creative problem-solving skills enable international lawyers to develop innovative strategies, navigate cultural differences, and find solutions that may not be apparent through traditional approaches.

Salary expectations

International lawyers in the United States can expect to earn salaries ranging from $111,000 to $342,000 per year, with an average of $147,692. The salary range is typically between $122,649 and $162,155 per year, with an average of $146,999. The highest-paid international lawyers are in the District of Columbia, where they can earn up to $163,610 per year. The lowest salary for an international lawyer in the US is $183,362 per year.

International lawyers are in high demand due to increasing globalisation, conflict, and humanitarian threats. Their salaries can double depending on their expertise and location. Lawyers with international expertise are sought-after, and this speciality is highly competitive.

International lawyers working for the government or military may have different salaries as they follow federal or military pay scales. For example, assistant US attorneys at the US Department of Justice start at $80,080 and can earn up to $107,239 with experience. Army JAG officers earn approximately $46,000 to $98,000 annually, plus benefits such as tax-free allowances for food and housing.

Other Career Options for International Law Graduates

For those interested in international law but not wanting to become an attorney, there are other career paths to consider. Policy advisors, mediators, and corporate lawyers with international law backgrounds are a few options. Policy advisors earn a median annual salary of $128,000, with a projected job growth of 7% from 2022 to 2032. Mediators facilitate negotiations and settlements, earning a median annual salary of $64,030, and a projected job growth of 5%. Corporate lawyers advise on commercial agreements and business transactions, with a median annual salary of $135,740 and an 8% projected job growth.

Career paths

International law is a challenging and competitive field, but it offers exciting and highly satisfying career opportunities. Here are some steps and tips to help you build a successful career as an international lawyer:

Education:

• Complete an undergraduate degree: While there is no specific major required, consider studying subjects such as political science, international studies, economics, government, or history. Maintaining a high GPA is crucial for competitive law school applications.
• Attend law school: Focus on international law courses and find a specialization within this field, such as international business law or international human rights. Consider studying in another jurisdiction to gain a global perspective.
• Consider an LLM: Pursuing a master's degree in international law can provide you with additional expertise and allow you to deepen your knowledge in a specific subset of international law.

Practical Experience:

• Internships and extracurricular activities: Gain practical legal experience through internships and other activities during your undergraduate and law school studies. These opportunities will enhance your resume and provide valuable hands-on learning.
• Build connections: Develop meaningful relationships with mentors and peers, especially professors, who can provide letters of recommendation for your law school applications and future career endeavours.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Pass the bar exam: Choose the jurisdiction that best aligns with your career goals. Consider obtaining a double qualification to increase your competitiveness and provide a broader perspective.
• Practising certificate: Apply for a practising certificate from the local Law Society, which will allow you to work as a solicitor or further your studies to become a barrister.

Skills Development:

• Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research: Develop strong analytical and research skills to understand and apply international laws, treaties, and policies effectively.
• Foreign language proficiency: Proficiency in multiple languages is highly advantageous in international law, facilitating communication with clients and stakeholders from different countries.
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail: Stay informed about industry news and wider political, economic, and social issues. Pay attention to detail when researching and drafting legal documents.
• Communication and teamwork: Cultivate strong verbal and written communication skills for effective negotiations, collaborations, and presentations.
• Creative problem-solving: Think strategically and creatively to develop innovative solutions for complex international legal matters.

Career Options:

• International Lawyer: Draft trade agreements, research international laws, and represent clients in international disputes.
• Corporate Lawyer: Advise clients during business transactions, represent them in court, and initiate legal actions.
• Diplomat or Ambassador: Create and maintain international relations, negotiate treaties, and represent your country or organisation in various settings.
• Policy Advisor: Research, write, and present reports to government officials, collaborating with policy analysts to improve policies.
• Mediator: Resolve legal disputes between parties, studying cases in-depth to help avoid trials.
• Legal Advisor: Advise clients on legal issues, analyse legal documents, and provide strategic guidance.

Challenges faced

Extensive Training and Education

Becoming an international lawyer requires a significant amount of education and training. Aspiring international law attorneys must complete an undergraduate degree, attend law school, and pass the bar exam. They also need to develop a wide range of skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and writing.

Understanding International Laws and Agreements

International law attorneys need to have a deep understanding of the complex web of international laws, agreements, and treaties that bind countries and foreign entities. They must stay up-to-date with the constantly evolving nature of international laws and be able to navigate the interplay between different legal systems.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Operating in a global context, international law attorneys often encounter language and cultural barriers. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and can significantly enhance an attorney's ability to serve clients effectively. Additionally, understanding different business cultures and etiquette is crucial for achieving client goals while being mindful of varying working practices worldwide.

High Competition and Specialisation

The field of international law is highly competitive, and aspiring attorneys need to find ways to differentiate themselves. Developing a strong international profile, gaining dual qualifications, and specialising in in-demand areas like competition/antitrust law or international business law can help individuals stand out.

Managing Client Expectations

International clients often have high expectations and seek lawyers who can act as business partners. They may expect their lawyers to provide advice and support beyond technical legal issues, including management and operational matters. Attorneys must also navigate cultural sensitivities and understand the basic rules of protocol when dealing with clients from different countries.

Adapting to a Changing Profession

The legal profession is undergoing significant reforms and innovations, and aspiring international law attorneys must be prepared to adapt. Embracing liberalisation, staying abreast of new technology, and developing relevant skills for the modern legal services market are essential for future-proofing one's career.

Frequently asked questions