A degree in international law opens up a world of career opportunities. Many students are drawn to the exciting field for its interdisciplinary nature and the promise of a dynamic career. But what exactly does an international law degree qualify you for? And what unique jobs and opportunities can you pursue after graduation? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different career paths and job opportunities available to graduates with a degree in international law. From corporate counsels to foreign diplomats, there are a multitude of roles that require an in-depth knowledge of international legal principles. We’ll look at the job duties and qualifications of each role, as well as the salary and benefits associated with different career paths. Finally, we’ll provide advice on how to make your application stand out in the highly competitive job market. So if you’re wondering what an international law degree can do for you, and what kind of career path you can pursue after graduation, then read on.
9 international law degree jobs
If you have a degree in international law, you might want to look into these nine careers:
Primary responsibilities: A mediator facilitates the mediation process, which is used by two or more parties to try to resolve a dispute. By assisting such parties in reaching a settlement, mediators help them avoid taking their disputes to court. A mediator’s responsibilities include investigating and evaluating each side of a dispute, guiding discussions and negotiations, and educating the parties on the mediation procedure. Mediators frequently handle cases involving contracts, injuries, and family law, but some mediators specialize in disputes involving international organizations.
Primary responsibilities: A law professor is an academic with a focus on law. They frequently write course syllabi, design lesson plans, meet with and counsel law students, conduct exams, grade them, and teach classes. Law professors instruct at the masters level, so they could play a role in selecting students for their legal programs.
Primary responsibilities: A judge is a public servant with the power to preside over court cases. Their main responsibility is to explain the law and its ramifications. When cases are presented to the court, they evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward. They serve as an impartial party during trials, ensuring that the prosecution and defense adhere to the rules of the law. Judges also frequently sign warrants, appoint attorneys, and sentence defendants.
Primary responsibilities: A type of political scientist called a policy analyst works to influence or direct ethical political policies. They must identify current political issues, gather information about them, examine potential effects of proposed solutions, and then make recommendations based on their knowledge and findings. Policy analysts support their government’s efforts to uphold positive relations with other political bodies on a global scale.
The main responsibilities of a legal adviser, also referred to as in-house counsel, are to provide legal advice to an organization. Typically, they have expertise in the industry in which their client works. For instance, a legal advisor for a financial institution is likely to have financial studies in their background. Drafting and completing paperwork, interpreting legal issues and documents, ensuring their clients comply with relevant regulations and laws, and giving advice on legal matters are among their responsibilities.
An attorney’s main responsibilities are to represent clients in court. International law attorneys typically represent countries or international organizations and handle cases related to their areas of expertise, such as immigration, finance, and business. International attorneys meet with clients in the same way that other lawyers do to discuss cases, complete and file paperwork, offer advice on legal matters, gather and analyze evidence, and present their case in court.
An agent designated by a national government or international organization to establish, preserve, or enhance its relationships with other entities is known as a diplomat. They converse with ambassadors from other countries or organizations about issues like culture, economics, trade, conflict, human rights, and sustainability. They may also propose and negotiate treaties or agreements, as well as give government officials advice on how to handle situations of international concern.
The chief legal officer is in charge of the legal department at an organization. They frequently work for publicly traded companies, but there may be openings in nonprofit and international organizations as well. They primarily work to reduce the legal risks that their employer faces by giving executives advice on crucial regulatory issues and potential litigation triggers. Other responsibilities include making sure that applicable laws are followed and resolving compliance problems. The chief legal officer may represent their employer in court or designate an attorney to do so.
Corporate counsels, also known as lawyers, have the primary responsibility of advising and representing businesses with regard to their legal rights, obligations, and privileges. Corporate attorneys frequently provide their clients with legal advice on complex business transactions like mergers and acquisitions in addition to presenting cases in court. They are also accountable for taking legal action against parties who interfere with the business of their clients, such as in instances of copyright infringement.
What is international law?
International law, also known as public international law and the law of nations, is an interdisciplinary field that studies the laws, ordinances, values, and customs that direct or influence relations between international actors, such as states, non-governmental organizations, and specific people. The range of issues covered by international law is extensive and includes, but is not limited to, diplomacy, war, trade, human rights, and space travel.
International law is a master’s level subject that law schools offer as a degree option. Its available as a Master of Laws (LL. M. ) degree, which offers specialized instruction in a particular area of law Completion of a Juris Doctor (J. D. ) degree is a requirement for entry into an LL. M. Despite the fact that some law schools may provide a concentration in international law as part of your J D. studies or allow a joint J. D. and LL. M. pursuit. You could also think about obtaining a Doctor of Science in Law (J S. D. ) in international law that qualifies you for a job in research or education
Tips for finding jobs in international law
The following advice will assist you in finding a fulfilling career where you can use your international law degree:
Search the websites of international organizations
Consider looking for jobs on the official websites of international organizations if you want to use your degree in international law to work abroad. For instance, the United Nations maintains a list of open positions in the area of international law. Examine these listings for any positions that interest you and determine if you meet the requirements.
Be familiar with job titles
Positions in international law, especially those with international organizations or abroad, frequently have titles that aren’t immediately identifiable as belonging to the legal profession. These include terms such as:
Try to keep an eye out for terms like the ones above as you look for open positions; they may lead you to interesting career opportunities.
Work on your foreign language skills
There are many positions in international law abroad, but one requirement for these positions may be fluency in a foreign language. Try to become fluent in another language to strengthen your application for these positions. Languages that many international law professionals speak include French, German, and Spanish.
How to Choose a Career in International Law?
FAQ
What can you do with a degree in international law?
- Mediator. National average salary: $53,532 per year. …
- Law professor. National average salary: $54,497 per year. …
- Judge. National average salary: $75,442 per year. …
- Policy analyst. …
- Legal adviser. …
- Attorney. …
- Diplomat. …
- Chief legal officer.
Where do most international lawyers work?
Many international attorneys are employed by law firms with departments that concentrate on international business or international finance. Such firms tend to be located in large cities.
What type of lawyers work internationally?
International lawyers come in a variety of forms, such as business or corporate attorneys, government-based attorneys, and independent practitioners with a focus on immigration and human rights laws. One component of the United Nations, which has its headquarters in New York City, is the International Law Commission.
Can you work for the UN with a law degree?
While some jobs only require a bachelor’s degree or less, others call for a master’s, PhD, or other professional degree. A Juris Doctor (JD) is required to work as a UN lawyer, and medical professionals frequently hold medical degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
