International Law Careers

Students interested in international careers will need to build and shape their legal experiences over time. It is unlikely that THE JOB in a sophisticated international practice or atmosphere will to be waiting immediately when a student steps outside the doors of the law school upon graduation. Neither should you expect that the process of education necessary to such a job will be completed in three academic years. A healthier approach is to think in terms of "What do I really want to be doing five to seven years out of law school, and how to I prepare myself to get there?"

In most cases, your legal education will continue beyond the three years required for a J.D. degree. Whether this includes additional formal education in the U.S. or abroad, consideration of an LL.M., or formal continuation of your legal training in entry-level positions, it is useful to think in terms of the entire process of preparation for the "perfect" job. Much of "being in the right place at the right time" is a result of careful preparation and attention to the formal and informal absorption of information.

Here are some sources of advice and job ads to help you move from the JD program into professional life:

• American Society of International Law Career Web Sites
• ABA Rule of Law Initiative job listings 
• Devex job listings
• National Center for State Courts overseas job ads
• U.S. Government international jobs
• UN Rule of Law Jobs
• United Nations Jobs
• Juris Placement International
• International Career Employment Weekly

Pre-law students: Here is a guide to help you find  the right law school for your  international law interests.