Kara Sears
International law is a fascinating and challenging discipline that offers a wide range of career opportunities. With a degree in international law, graduates can pursue exciting and rewarding careers in various sectors, including diplomacy, trade, human rights, and corporate law. The field is very competitive, and while a Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B.) is a good starting point, a Master's degree in International Law can open up even more doors and provide advanced training in specific fields of law. International law degree holders can find work internationally, with some positions requiring fluency in a foreign language. The salary for international law professionals varies depending on the nature of the job, which can be short-term, project-based, or long-term.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career opportunities | International law degree graduates can find work that is both exciting and highly satisfying. |
| Job roles | Corporate lawyer, attorney, chief legal officer |
| Sectors | Diplomacy, trade, human rights, space travel |
| Growth prospects | Competitive field; a master's degree in international law can help secure a great career |
| Salaries | Dependent on the nature of the job; corporate lawyers earn on average $127,489 per year in the US |
| Qualifications | A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree |
| Skills | Fluency in a foreign language may be required for international jobs |
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What You'll Learn
- Corporate lawyer: Represent corporations, guide them on legal matters, and present cases in court
- International work: Fluency in a foreign language can help you land a job in international law
- Draft trade agreements: Work on international contracts and other legal documents
- Diplomacy: International law covers diplomacy, war, trade, human rights, and space travel
- Further education: Pursue a Master's or Juris Doctor (JD) degree to specialise in a specific field of law
Corporate lawyer: Represent corporations, guide them on legal matters, and present cases in court
A career as a corporate lawyer is a great option for those interested in business and law. They are experts on the body of laws that govern corporations and advise businesses on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. Corporate lawyers are typically engaged in the following:
Contracts
Corporate lawyers are involved in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts and legally binding agreements. They may also be responsible for creating contracts and negotiating agreements when two companies merge or one company purchases another.
Governance
Corporate lawyers help draft the corporate governance framework, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, and other management policies. They advise corporate officers on their responsibilities and obligations toward the company and provide legal guidance to directors, board members, and chief executives.
Representation
Corporate lawyers may represent the company during certain meetings or proceedings, help obtain representation, or designate agents for various operations or proceedings. They do not usually represent a company during litigation or in a courtroom setting but can help companies avoid litigation and legal disputes.
Compliance
Corporate lawyers help businesses remain in compliance with regulations and offer strategic guidance. They advise on compliance with securities laws, promote transparency with shareholders and regulators, and assist with due diligence.
Venture Capital
Corporate lawyers can help startups or existing businesses seeking venture capital negotiate the terms of the fundraise and draft deal documentation. They can also help businesses find money through public or private financing and provide daily counseling in this area.
To become a corporate lawyer, you will need to obtain your Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. After passing the bar exam, you can obtain a license to practice corporate law, although some states have additional requirements.
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International work: Fluency in a foreign language can help you land a job in international law
International law is a vocation that can offer exciting and highly satisfying career opportunities. A degree in international law can lead to drafting trade agreements and international contracts, offering advice to clients on legal issues, and analysing and interpreting legal documents.
Fluency in a foreign language can be a significant advantage for those seeking a career in international law. Language skills are critical, as international lawyers apply their trade with words. Fluency in a foreign language can help set candidates apart and broaden the scope of their work. It can also lead to higher salaries, as bilingual employees are often in high demand and can communicate better and more widely.
While western European languages are the most common among lawyers with foreign language skills, the shift in economic power to markets such as China has increased the demand for speakers of languages from further afield. Knowledge of different languages can open doors to better opportunities, as law firms that engage with clients from different cultures benefit from having multilingual staff.
For those seeking a career in international law, developing a global mindset is essential. This can be achieved by learning a new language and taking advantage of opportunities to study law abroad, such as legal studies programmes. Combining law with a language equips individuals with cultural awareness, which is valuable in a multicultural society.
Overall, fluency in a foreign language can significantly enhance employability in international law, providing individuals with a competitive edge and the ability to contribute to a diverse range of legal contexts.
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Draft trade agreements: Work on international contracts and other legal documents
An international law degree can open doors to a variety of career paths, including the opportunity to draft trade agreements and work on international contracts and legal documents. This field is both exciting and highly satisfying, offering a chance to make a real impact on a global scale.
International trade agreements are crucial in shaping the economic landscape, creating opportunities for businesses to expand into new markets and promoting international cooperation. These agreements encompass a broad range of issues, including goods and services, intellectual property rights, and investments. For instance, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements establish a legal framework for trade among its 154-164 member economies, reducing barriers to exports, protecting the interests of signatory countries, and enhancing the rule of law in partner nations.
As an expert in international law, you would play a pivotal role in drafting these agreements. This involves collaborating with government officials, industry representatives, and legal teams to create and negotiate the terms of trade agreements. Your expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that the agreements comply with international law, protect the interests of your country or organization, and promote fair and equitable trade practices.
Additionally, you may be involved in drafting international contracts. These contracts could range from commercial agreements between multinational corporations to investment treaties between countries. Your legal acumen will be crucial in structuring these contracts, ensuring they adhere to relevant laws and regulations, and safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.
The work of drafting trade agreements and international contracts demands a strong understanding of international law principles, as well as excellent analytical and negotiation skills. It also requires discretion, as you may handle sensitive information that needs to be kept confidential.
Pursuing a career in this field can be highly rewarding, allowing you to shape international trade policies and contribute to the economic growth and cooperation between nations.
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Diplomacy: International law covers diplomacy, war, trade, human rights, and space travel
International law is a cornerstone of the rules-based international order, guiding states in their interactions and responsibilities within the global community. Diplomacy and international law often go hand in hand, with diplomacy focusing on conducting international relations through diplomatic channels and international law providing the legal framework within which states interact and resolve disputes.
International law covers a wide range of topics, including diplomacy, war, trade, human rights, and even space travel. For example, international law provides the legal framework for diplomatic activities, including negotiation processes, conflict resolution, and relationship-building. It also covers the rules and regulations of war, such as the Geneva Conventions, and plays a crucial role in shaping digital relations and space travel.
A degree in international law can lead to a variety of career paths, including diplomacy. Diplomacy is a practical field that involves direct interactions and negotiations between states. A degree in international law can provide a solid grounding in international relations theory and practice, as well as analytical tools for legal advocacy, which are essential skills for diplomats.
The MA in Diplomacy and International Law offered by AUP Graduate is a dynamic degree that combines the best of both disciplines. It trains students to work as international advocates for global justice, with a focus on cross-disciplinary courses in international relations, law, global ethics, conflict resolution, and human rights. The program also offers professional modules, like the Hague Practicum and the Summer Institute for Human Rights, which provide students with practical skills and extensive contacts in the field.
Graduates of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law program pursue careers in government, business, the United Nations, or the NGO sector. They utilize the wide range of skills acquired through the program to advocate for justice in challenging circumstances. The international outlook provided by the program gives graduates a unique perspective that is valuable in both the public and private sectors.
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Further education: Pursue a Master's or Juris Doctor (JD) degree to specialise in a specific field of law
Pursuing further education is a great way to specialise in a specific field of law. A Masters or Juris Doctor (JD) degree can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen area of law.
A Masters in Law, also known as a Master of Laws (LL.M.), is an advanced postgraduate law program that allows students to specialise in a particular area of law. Traditionally, popular areas of specialisation have included constitutional law, family law, and taxation law. However, with the establishment of specialised autonomous law schools, newer areas of specialisation have emerged, such as corporate law, intellectual property law, and international trade law. An LL.M. can be studied part-time or through distance learning, and it is typically a requirement for entry into research doctoral programs in law.
In some countries, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, a J.D. is required to enter an LL.M. program. The JD is an advanced legal degree that enables students to practice law after graduation. It typically takes three years to complete a JD program full-time, and the curriculum includes fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts. During their studies, students also have the opportunity to specialise in areas like international law, corporate law, or public policy. To be fully authorised to practice law in the United States, individuals holding a JD degree must pass a bar examination, except in the state of Wisconsin.
Some law students opt to pursue a dual degree, combining their Juris Doctor with another graduate degree such as an MBA, MSW, or MPH. This allows them to gain expertise in a specific industry and tailor their legal practice accordingly. Additionally, a few universities offer an accelerated program where students can earn both their bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees in six years.
Pursuing a Masters or Juris Doctor degree in law can provide you with specialised knowledge, enhance your career prospects, and open doors to various legal specialisations. Whether you choose to focus on international law, corporate law, intellectual property law, or another area of interest, further education can equip you with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in your chosen field.
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Frequently asked questions
International law is an interdisciplinary subject concerned with the rules, regulations, principles and practices that govern or inform the relations between international actors, such as nations, international organisations and certain individuals.
There are many international law positions available abroad, but these often require the ability to speak a foreign language. International law degree graduates can find work as corporate lawyers, also known as corporate counsels, representing corporations and guiding them on matters pertaining to their legal rights, responsibilities and privileges.
Corporate lawyers present cases in court and advise their clients on business transactions that involve complex legal considerations, such as mergers and acquisitions. They also pursue legal action against entities that encroach on their client's business, for example, in cases of copyright infringement.
International law degree jobs include drafting trade agreements and international contracts, offering advice to clients regarding legal issues, documents and transactions, and analysing and interpreting legal documents.
A Bachelor's of Law (LL.B.) is essential for an international law degree job. A Master’s degree in International Law will also help you stand out. A Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree provides advanced training in a specific field of law, but a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is required for entry into an LL.M.
