Anaya Nolan
International law is a broad academic subject that covers war, peace, diplomacy, and rights. A degree in international law can lead to a variety of career paths, including jobs with government or international organizations, as well as regular law careers. International law graduates can find work as corporate lawyers, policy advisors, mediators, or legal advisors, among other roles. The field is very competitive, and further qualifications or work experience may be required to stand out. International law degrees are offered by universities around the world, and studying abroad can enhance a graduate's career prospects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career opportunities | Corporate lawyer, policy analyst, policy advisor, mediator, legal advisor, international business roles, government roles, and roles with international organizations |
| Salary | Varies depending on the nature of the job; corporate lawyer average salary is $127,489 per year; policy analyst average salary is $99,238 per year; policy advisor average salary is $74,500 per year |
| Job location | International law degrees can lead to jobs all over the world, especially if you study abroad |
| Job type | Jobs can be short-term, project-based, or long-term |
| Job prospects | The field is very competitive, and it may not be easy to get a job right after graduation |
| Job duties | Drafting trade agreements and international contracts; ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving compliance issues; representing employers in litigation or appointing an attorney; offering advice on legal issues, transactions, and documents; analyzing and interpreting legal documents; identifying political concerns and analyzing proposed solutions |
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What You'll Learn
Work for international organisations
International law is a broad academic subject that opens up a world of opportunities, including working with international organisations. International organisations like the United Nations need lawyers to interpret their charters and international law. International law degree graduates can work with non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, and even find work helping some of the world's most vulnerable and marginalised people.
International law degree holders can also work as legal advisors to international organisations. Legal advisors provide legal consultation and ensure their client's compliance with regulations and laws. They also advise on issues relating to the law and draft and fill out paperwork. A legal advisor's salary is around $99,238 per year.
International law degree graduates can also work as policy advisors to international organisations. Policy advisors work with policy analysts on the implementation of public policies and lend their expertise to writing and presenting well-researched reports for government bodies. They have three main roles: advising, negotiating, and litigating. They can also evaluate potential risks on policy documents. The average salary for a policy advisor is $74,500 per year.
International law degree holders can also work as corporate lawyers for international organisations. Corporate lawyers represent corporations and guide them on legal matters, such as mergers and acquisitions. They also pursue legal action against entities that encroach on their client's business. The national average salary for a corporate lawyer is $127,489 per year.
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Work in international business
International law is a broad academic subject that covers topics such as war, peace, diplomacy, and rights. It is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the rules, regulations, principles, and practices governing the interactions between nations, international organisations, and specific individuals. A degree in international law can lead to a variety of career options, including working in international business.
International business lawyers, also known as corporate counsels, are responsible for guiding and representing corporations on legal matters pertaining to their rights, duties, and privileges. They advise clients on complex business transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations. Corporate lawyers also take legal action against entities infringing on their client's business, such as in cases of copyright infringement. This role typically requires a background in law, preferably with expertise in local issues such as securities, regulations, or trademarks, and pays an average of USD 107,300 per year.
In addition to legal counsel, international businesses also require policy analysts, who collect data on political issues, analyse proposed solutions, and make recommendations to maintain healthy relationships with other political bodies. Policy analysts also work closely with legal advisors to ensure compliance with regulations and laws and advise on legal issues. The average salary for a policy analyst is USD 99,238 per year.
International organisations and government foreign ministries are also key employers for those with international law degrees. These roles may involve drafting trade agreements and international contracts, as well as advising on legal issues, transactions, and documents. While salaries vary, positions in this sector can include attorneys ($97,444 per year) and diplomats (variable salary).
Pursuing a career in international business with an international law degree offers a range of exciting and satisfying opportunities. While the field is competitive, the right qualifications and experience can lead to successful careers in law, policy analysis, and international organisations.
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Work for the government
An international law degree can open doors to a variety of career paths within the government sector. Here are some options to consider:
Policy Advisor/Analyst
Policy advisors work closely with policy analysts to implement public policies and lend their expertise to writing and presenting well-researched reports for government bodies. They play three interconnected roles: advising, negotiating, and litigating. Policy analysts, on the other hand, identify existing political concerns, collect data on political issues, analyse potential solutions, and make recommendations based on their expertise. On an international level, they help governments maintain healthy relationships with other political bodies. Both roles require a high level of expertise, and a master's degree is often recommended.
Legal Advisor
Legal advisors, also known as in-house counsels, provide legal consultation to organisations, specialising in the field in which their client operates. Their duties include drafting and filling out paperwork, interpreting legal issues and documents, ensuring their client's compliance with regulations and laws, and providing advice on legal matters. A legal advisor for a financial institution, for instance, would likely have a background in finance.
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers represent corporations and guide them on legal matters, including business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. They also pursue legal action against entities that infringe on their client's business, such as in cases of copyright infringement. Corporate lawyers present cases in court and advise on complex legal considerations.
Other Opportunities
International law graduates can also explore roles in government relating to diplomacy, human rights, trade agreements, conflict resolution, and international relations. Additionally, graduates can work with non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, such as the United Nations, to interpret international law and assist developing countries with legal transformation.
Remember that while an international law degree provides a strong foundation, gaining initial professional experience and further qualifications can enhance your employability and open doors to more specialised roles within the government sector.
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Work in philanthropy
International law is a broad academic subject that covers topics such as diplomacy, war, trade, human rights, and space travel. A degree in international law can open up a variety of career paths, including those in the fields of law, government, and international organizations.
Job Opportunities in Philanthropy
With an international law degree, you can pursue a career in philanthropy, working for non-profit organizations, charities, or foundations. These organizations often have a global focus and aim to address social and humanitarian issues worldwide. Your legal expertise will be valuable in ensuring these organizations operate within the legal framework and can effectively achieve their missions.
Policy and Program Development
Philanthropic organizations often develop and advocate for policies that align with their mission. As a legal professional, you can play a crucial role in shaping these policies to ensure they are legally sound and effective. You can also provide input on program development, ensuring that the organization's initiatives are compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
Grant-making and Fundraising
Grant-making is a significant aspect of philanthropy, where organizations provide funding to support various causes and initiatives. Your legal skills can be valuable in reviewing grant proposals, drafting grant agreements, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. Additionally, your understanding of international laws can help organizations navigate the legal aspects of fundraising, including donor relations and managing funds.
Compliance and Risk Management
Philanthropic organizations must adhere to various legal and ethical standards. Your expertise in international law can help these organizations maintain compliance with regulations, mitigate legal risks, and ensure good governance. You can guide them on privacy laws, data protection, anti-corruption measures, and other relevant legal considerations.
Human Rights and Social Impact
Many philanthropic organizations focus on advancing human rights and addressing social injustices globally. With your international law degree, you can provide legal expertise to these organizations, helping them navigate complex legal frameworks and international treaties related to human rights. You can also contribute to the development of strategies that promote social change and uphold the rights of marginalized communities worldwide.
International Development and Partnerships
Philanthropic organizations often work in collaboration with international partners to achieve their goals. Your understanding of international law can facilitate effective cross-border collaborations. You can provide legal guidance on partnership structures, contractual agreements, and navigating cultural and legal differences in international development projects.
An international law degree provides a strong foundation for a career in philanthropy, allowing you to contribute to positive social impact while utilizing your legal skills and knowledge.
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Work in a legal capacity
International law is a broad academic subject that opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The scope of international law includes topics such as war, peace, diplomacy, rights, trade, prosecuting crimes, the use of force in international relations, human rights, and protecting the environment.
With an international law degree, you can work in a legal capacity in various sectors, including:
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers, also known as corporate counsels, represent corporations and guide them on matters related to their legal rights, responsibilities, and privileges. They present cases in court and advise clients on complex business transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions. Corporate lawyers also pursue legal action against entities that infringe on their client's business, including copyright infringement. This role requires an understanding of international business law, including arbitration, contracts, finance, comparative law, intellectual property law, taxation, and competition law.
Legal Advisory
Legal advisors, or in-house counsels, provide legal consultation to organisations. They specialise in the field in which their client operates and may have a background in a relevant area such as finance. Their duties include drafting and completing paperwork, interpreting legal issues and documents, ensuring their client's compliance with regulations and laws, and providing advice on legal matters.
Policy Advisory
Policy advisors work closely with policy analysts and government bodies. They advise on public policies, negotiate, litigate, and write and present well-researched reports. This role requires a high level of expertise, often a master's degree or higher, and pays an average of USD 74,500 per year.
Non-Governmental or Intergovernmental Organisations
International law graduates can work with non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, including the United Nations. These organisations require lawyers to interpret international law and their charters. Additionally, developing countries need lawyers to assist with new laws and amendments to current laws in legislatures and parliaments.
International Business Organisations
With an international law degree, you can build a career as an integral member of an international business organisation. This may involve working on business issues, multi-jurisdictional matters, and the regulation of trade in goods, services, and capital.
Other Legal Roles
Other legal roles for international law graduates include mediators, who help resolve conflicts, and chief legal officers, who represent their employers in litigation or appoint attorneys.
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Frequently asked questions
Career options for those with an international law degree include working as a corporate lawyer, policy advisor, mediator, legal advisor, or policy analyst. You can also work with non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, or even international organisations like the United Nations.
It is important to note that the best international law schools often require that prospective students have demonstrated strong academic performance. Additionally, pursuing an international law degree abroad can enhance your career prospects by providing international experience and cultural immersion.
A postgraduate degree in international law can open up your worldview and help you understand other legal and cultural systems. It equips you to better navigate armed conflicts and international relations, making you a global citizen.
An international law degree enhances your international outlook and provides a strong foundation in various aspects of international law, including arbitration, contracts, finance, comparative law, and intellectual property law, and more. It encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
