Careers in International Law: Requirements & Types

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

To become an international lawyer, you need to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). You also must pass your state's bar exam. In addition to your formal training you will need skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, negotiation, research, and writing. You need thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, project management and accounting software, legal search engines, and other related software.

Here are steps to take to become an international lawyer.

Step 1: Complete an Undergraduate Degree Program

Almost all law schools require that applicants have bachelor's degrees. The BLS states that there is no specific undergraduate field of study required to attend law school, and many law students possess degrees in economics, government, or history.

You may benefit from completing a bachelor's degree program in international studies. These programs can provide a foundation of information about international issues that may prove beneficial when studying international law in law school.

Also consider studying a foreign language. Developing fluency in a foreign language could help you when speaking with colleagues in, or traveling to, other countries. Many language programs also include lessons about a country's culture and traditions, and knowledge of local customs can be helpful when discussing legal matters.

You will also want to prepare to take the LSAT. Law school applicants must submit their Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores with their applications. Most aspiring lawyers take the LSAT during their junior year of undergraduate study. Many schools offer multi-week preparatory courses that inform students about the exam's format and provide test-taking tips.

Step 2: Take the LSAT

The LSAT, which is a half-day exam, focuses on analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and reading skills. A student's LSAT scores play a large factor in their admission to law school.

Step 3: Attend and Graduate from Law School

Law school requires three years of full-time study. First-year students complete a curriculum of courses focusing on basic law subjects, such as contracts, property, torts, and constitutional law. Students in their second and third years complete elective classes, and they can participate in a judicial internship, or clinical experiences.

Some schools allow students to concentrate their studies on international law. These concentrations include courses in comparative law, comparative legal cultures, international sales and trade, foreign policy, and multinational business law.

Regardless of whether you complete a concentration in international law, completing elective coursework in the subject can provide you with a solid understanding of the field. Examples of elective courses include advanced international business law, arbitration of international disputes, international legal research, and international children's rights.

While in law school you'll also need to prepare for the bar exam. Not passing a state's bar exam means you can't practice law in that state. Proper preparation for the bar exam increases the chances of passing the exam on the first try. Private companies offer multiple-week preparatory courses that provide instruction about the subjects on the exam and test taking techniques.

Step 4: Take a Bar Exam

According to the BLS, each state requires that lawyers be licensed. Becoming licensed usually requires passing a bar exam, passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam, and being admitted to a state's bar association. Although the format of each state's bar exam differs, some consist of multiple days of testing. Questions are often in essay and multiple choice formats.

Step 5: Work as an International Lawyer

Government agencies and private firms hire lawyers to practice international law. Many times, these employers expect lawyers to practice other fields of law in addition to international law. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with multiple years of experience, or a portable book of clients.

Step 6: Consider Earning an LL.M.

Some law schools offer licensed attorneys the opportunity to earn Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees. LL.M. programs related to international law often focus on a specific sector of the field, such as international business, international human rights, law of international institutions, or public international law. The curriculum of these programs provides in-depth instruction about the chosen subset of international law.

There are many different kinds of careers in international law that you can explore based on your personal interest. Here are just a few examples:

• International Development is an extremely important part of international law that involves working with developing countries either through government work or through an IGO (Intergovernmental Organization). International health law, trade law, intellectual property law, and financial aid are all areas of international development.
• Government Work is something that you can do as an American lawyer. You can choose to pursue a career in international law that allows you to represent the United States on the international scene, advocating for American interests, arbitrating disputes, and negotiating aid and trade deals.
• Diplomacy is an area of international law to consider if you are interested in travelling substantially for a career. International law requirements for diplomacy are more recommended than formal, and include speaking at least one foreign language and an understanding of the cultural issues surrounding any countries in which you are likely to work.