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Careers

Insights into career pathways in global practice, public service, international organizations, academia, NGOs, and beyond, including alumni perspectives and practical guidance. Internships (paid or unpaid) can be a very good first step in your career – they are included as well.  

Public International Law Specializations

Careers in Public International Law and Diplomatic Service

Public international law is fundamentally state‑centered: states are both its primary actors and its principal creators. For that reason, working for a national government is one of the most direct ways to engage in international law practice. Whether as a law‑student intern, extern, or full‑time employee, you may contribute to: 

  • Shaping national positions in international negotiations 
  • Drafting and interpreting treaties and other international agreements 
  • Preparing briefs, memos, and policy papers on international legal issues 
  • Advising government officials on compliance with international law 
  • Participating in multilateral forums or international litigation 
  • Monitoring and implementing international legal obligations 

Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Work 

International law also plays a crucial role in diplomacy. Lawyers (and lawyer‑adjacent professionals) working in foreign affairs may engage in: 

  • Treaty negotiation and ratification processes 
  • Application of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) 
  • Status, privileges, and immunities of diplomatic missions 
  • Consular protection and international dispute resolution 
  • Crisis response, sanctions law, and multilateral diplomacy 

Diplomatic careers are open both to lawyers and non‑lawyers, though a law background is often highly advantageous. 

For comprehensive information about diplomatic opportunities for U.S. law graduates – See ‘U.S.-based opportunities’.  

International organizations (IOs) rely heavily on lawyers, policy analysts, and researchers to assist with treaty interpretation, international rule‑making, compliance monitoring, peacekeeping mandates, human rights investigations, and development programming. Internships and early‑career programs can provide an important entry point. 

Below is an expanded overview of key IOs and official portals where students and graduates can find internships, externships, and full‑time roles. 

The UN is the principal hub of multilateral diplomacy, peace and security, development, and international law. Lawyers at the UN may work in areas such as: 

  • Peacekeeping and international humanitarian law 
  • Treaty interpretation and registration 
  • International criminal law 
  • Human rights monitoring 
  • Oceans and environmental law 
  • UN administrative and procedural law 

Opportunities: 

Organization established in 1960 by 20 founding states (including the U.S.). It focuses on developing policy and encouraging legal developments, at national and international levels, in areas of current concern – including international cooperation in corporate taxation, cross-border taxation, AI, climate change, gender pay gap, migration, global trade and investment, and many others.  

 

Jobs at OECD requiring legal expertise focus on legal advice, policy development and research. Click https://www.oecd.org/en/about/careers.html for more information about careers.  

Internships: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/about/careers/internship/Internship%20Brochure.pdf

OAS promotes democracy, human rights, security, and development in the Americas. 

Internships: OAS offers unpaid, in-person and virtual internships where law students can work on legal issues affecting the Americas, including human rights and international law. https://www.oas.org/en/saf/dhr/internships/ 

Jobs: https://www.oas.org/dhrs/dhr/employment_opportunities_welcome.asp  

The most influential regional intergovernmental organization in Europe that deals with international law and governance. EU law is directly applicable in its member states and takes precedence over national law. The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures uniform interpretation of EU law, and the European Commission monitors application and enforcement of EU law. They offer legal officer roles in Brussels, Luxembourg as well as Strasbourg.  

Jobs: https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/open-competition-permanent-staff 

Internships/Traineeships: https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/traineeships 

Internships at the Court of Justice of the European Union for EU nationals: https://curia.europa.eu/site/jcms/d2_5152/en/traineeships  

Internship at the Court of Justice of the European Union for US citizens: Dean Acheson Legal Scholar Program: ‘Every year, U.S. Embassy Luxembourg offers a unique opportunity for recent U.S. law school graduates and exceptional 3L students to take part in a clerkship with the European Court of Justice (ECJ), based in Luxembourg. The Dean Acheson Legal Scholar program began in 1996 under Ambassador Clay Constantinou, following a 1994 letter from the ECJ to then-Ambassador Ed Rowell, agreeing to host top young American lawyers for a period of training and exchange.’ The Program can be combined with an LLM Course at the University of Luxembourg: https://lu.usembassy.gov/overview-of-dean-acheson-legal-scholar-program/  

The continental union of the 55 African states created in 2002. It was modeled partially after the EU and is now focused on building binding legal frameworks. The AU works to prevent conflict, promote peace-keeping and post- conflict reconstruction. You can get involved in the work of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.  

Jobs: https://au.int/en/careers 

Internships: https://au.int/en/internships  

ASEAN promotes political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its member countries in Southeast Asia. It focuses on various issues, including trade, security, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. 

  • Research Opportunities: Law students can engage in research projects focusing on ASEAN’s legal frameworks and regional cooperation. 
  • Participation in Conferences: Students can attend ASEAN-sponsored workshops and conferences to network and learn about regional legal matters. 

Jobs: https://asean.org/jobs-at-asec/ 

The EEAS is the European Union’s diplomatic service, responsible for foreign policy, security cooperation, and relations with non‑EU states. Legal work often involves: 

  • EU external relations law 
  • International trade and sanctions 
  • Human rights and democracy programming 
  • Security policy and peacebuilding 

Opportunities: 

Eligibility rules vary; many positions are reserved for EU citizens, but some Delegation traineeships are open to non‑EU nationals. 

The OSCE is the world’s largest regional security organization, addressing conflict prevention, rule of law, minority rights, election monitoring, and human rights. 

Legal and policy staff may work on: 

  • Human rights and democratization 
  • Election law and electoral observation missions 
  • Rule of law and security sector governance 
  • Arms control, borders, and conflict resolution 

Opportunities: 

The WTO regulates international trade.  

Internships: The WTO offers internship opportunities for law students in trade law and policy. These are paid positions, lasting for up to six months, based in Geneva. Costs of travel and health insurance are not covered: https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm  

Jobs: one of the core functions that lawyers are sought is dispute settlement. Dispute settlement lawyers work with WTO’s dispute settlement body, or the appellate body. Here is the excerpt from the website about job requirements: An advanced university degree in law (including international trade law and public international law), knowledge of international, legal and economic principles and issues, adjudicative process and practice, a high level of legal drafting skills, analytical and problem-solving skills and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a multicultural team.   https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/career_e.htm  

The World Bank aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing financial and technical assistance for development projects.  

Opportunities:  

Internships: The World Bank offers internships for graduate students, including law students, focusing on legal and regulatory frameworks for development projects. 

Consulting Positions: Law students can join as consultants in areas such as governance and legal reform. 

https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/careers/talent-programs  

IOM provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, focusing on promoting humane and orderly migration. It is present in 171 countries, so internships and jobs can be located in any of them.  

Opportunities:  

Internships: IOM offers internships in migration law and policy. https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/04/30/internship-opportunity-diaspora-engagement-iom-italy/  

Jobs: https://www.iom.int/iom-career-gateways  

The ILO is a UN agency promoting social justice and fair labor practices globally, focusing on issues such as workers’ rights and employment standards. 

Internships: The ILO offers internships for law students interested in labor law and human rights: https://jobs.ilo.org/content/Internships/?locale=en_GB  

Jobs: https://jobs.ilo.org/content/Working-at-the-ILO/?locale=en_GB  

The ICC prosecutes individuals for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, aiming to end impunity for perpetrators of serious international crimes. 

Opportunities:  

Internships: The ICC has internship programs for law students interested in international criminal law. Internship and Visiting Professional Program: https://www.icc-cpi.int/jobs/internships-and-visiting-professionals  

Volunteer Programs: Students can volunteer to support various functions of the court, including legal research and analysis. 

The IMF works to promote global economic stability and growth, providing monetary cooperation, financial stability, and economic advice to its member countries. 

Internships: The IMF offers internships for graduate students, including those with a law background focusing on economic law and policy. Interships are offered to JD students. https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/working-at-the-imf/fund-internship-program  

Research Positions: Opportunities exist for law students to engage in research on financial regulations and international trade law. 

Fellowship Programs: The IMF provides fellowship opportunities for students interested in global economic governance. https://www.imf.org/en/news/seminars/campaigns/2023/2023-imf-youth-fellowship-program  

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) represent the United States in over 270 embassies, consulates, and missions worldwide. Although a law degree is not required, legal training is extremely valuable in: 

  • Negotiating treaties and agreements 
  • Advising on international law and consular matters 
  • Managing bilateral and multilateral diplomacy 
  • Working in human rights, environment, and sanctions policy 

Opportunities: 

  • Internships and fellowships with the US Department of State, including the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program, Thomas E. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, and many other opportunities: https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/ 

Numerous U.S. agencies hire lawyers and interns for international or diplomatic work, including: 

  • U.S. Department of State – Office of the Legal Adviser (L)
    • Handles all international legal matters for the U.S. government. 

(https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/secretary-of-state/office-of-the-legal-adviser/)  

On the Adviser’s Work: 

‘The Office of the Legal Adviser furnishes advice on all legal issues, domestic and international, arising in the course of the Department’s work. This includes assisting Department principals and policy officers in formulating and implementing the foreign policies of the United States, and promoting the development of international law and its institutions as a fundamental element of those policies.’ 

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS (unpaid): 15 2Ls are selected each year to work in D.C. There are also internships at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands, and at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York:. https://www.state.gov/summer-intern-program-legal-adviser/ https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/ 

WORK/STUDY EXTERNSHIPS: these are offered to 2L and 3L students who can work in D.C. You can also apply for externships at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands, at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York, and at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland: https://www.state.gov/work-study-extern-program-legal-adviser/  

JOBS:  https://www.state.gov/employment-opportunities-legal-adviser 

  • U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration (ITA)
  • U.S. Department of Justice – Office of International Affairs (OIA)
  • U.S. Department of Defense – Office of General Counsel
  • U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Arbitration and Mediation

This specialization focuses on resolving cross-border disputes between private parties, such as companies, investors, or individuals, through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than national court systems. Practitioners may serve as legal counsel, arbitrators, or mediators in proceedings conducted under international rules, such as those established by the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, or the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. 

Institutions: 

  1. Permanent Court of Arbitration -Establishedin 1899, the PCA is the oldest arbitration body that specifically resolves disputes between international organizations and private entities.  

Jobs: https://pca-cpa.org/en/about/employment/internship-program/ 

  1. International Chamber of Commerce – Thisthemost commonly used arbitration institute globally, which handles disputes between private corporations and investors. They ensure compliance with arbitration rules and also assist arbitrators.  

Jobs: https://iccwbo.org/careers/ 

 

Cross-Border Transactions

Legal professionals in this field structure, negotiate, and manage business and financial transactions involving parties or assets located in more than one country. This work includes drafting international contracts, handling regulatory approvals, navigating differences in legal systems, and advising on mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, and infrastructure projects. 

Institutions: 

  1. Global Law Firms – Global top – tier firms specialize in Mergers and Acquisitions, corporate finance, and international contracts. They draft international contracts, handle regulatorycomplianceand advise on mergers, acquisitions and infrastructure projects. Examples of these firms are Clifford Chance, Baker McKenzie, Freshfields, White and Case, and Addleshaw Goddard.  

Jobs: https://www.cliffordchance.com/careers.html ; https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/careers/ ; https://www.freshfields.com/en/your-career ; https://www.whitecase.com/careers ; https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/careers/ 

  1. Development Banks – These institutions finance cross-border infrastructure and investment projects.They work to draft financingagreements by advising borrowers and handling regulatory approvals. These include European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, International Finance Corporation, IFC, and European Investment Bank, EIB.  

Jobs: https://unjobs.org/organizations/ebrd ; https://www.eib.org/en/about/careers/index ; https://www.ifc.org/en/about/careers 

  1. Corporate Advisory Firms – These firms handle international tax, compliance as well as cross border regulatory issues. They advise their clients on structuring deals and tax compliance, as well as investment law. 

Jobs: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers.html ; https://careers.ey.com/ ; https://kpmg.com/xx/en/careers.html ; https://careersatdeloitte.com/search 

 

Academic Research and Teaching

Scholars specializing in private international law contribute through teaching, publishing, and comparative legal analysis. Research topics may include conflict of laws, legal harmonization, enforcement of foreign judgments, and transnational commercial law. These academics often influence policy reform and shape the development of international legal doctrines. 

In-House Counsel (Corporate Legal Departments)

In-house legal professionals working for multinational corporations to manage legal risks arising from international business operations. Responsibilities include advising compliance with multiple legal regimes, drafting and reviewing international contracts, resolving disputes, and ensuring adherence to local and international regulatory requirements. 

Institutions: 

  1. Multinational Corporations – Large corporations with global operations require in-house lawyers to manage cross-border contracts and compliance. They advise on international contracts, intellectual property, and compliance with global regulations and dispute resolution.

Jobs: https://www.totallylegal.com/jobs/in-house-counsel/ 

  1. Banks and Financial Institutions – These global banks and institutionsrequireinternational legal teams. They work to structure cross-border financial transactions and manage compliance and regulatory approvals.  

Jobs: https://portal.careers.hsbc.com/careers/legal?domain=hsbc.com ; https://www.bnpparibas.pl/kariera/en/job-offers ; https://careers.db.com/professionals/search-roles/ 

Private Dispute Resolution through Litigation

This specialization involves litigating civil or commercial cases that contain foreign elements, such as parties from different countries or contracts governed by foreign law. Lawyers in this field address jurisdictional questions, enforce foreign judgments, and resolve complex issues of applicable law in national courts. 

Institutions: 

  1. International Law Firms – These firms specialize in litigation and handling cross border disputes. They enforce judgments and advise on jurisdictional conflicts. Examples of these firms are Freshfields, Lathan and Watkins, and Linklaters. 

Jobs: https://www.freshfields.com/en/your-career ; https://engage.lwcareers.com/jobs/categories ; https://careers.linklaters.com/en-us/early-careers 

  1. National Courts with International Jurisdiction – The UK Commercial Court or Singapore International Commercial Court are examples of domestic courts that handle major cross- border litigation. These lawyersarguecases involving international contracts and multinational companies.  

Jobs: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/join-us/careers 

International Trade Law (Private Sector)

Private international trade lawyers assist clients, such as importers, exporters, or investors, in complying with international trade agreements, tariffs, customs regulations, and economic sanctions. They may also be involved in resolving trade-related disputes before administrative bodies or through arbitration under international trade rules. 

Institutions: 

  1. Trade Law Practices – Law firms specialize in disputes, traderemediesand sanctions. They advise corporations on tariffs, export controls, and compliance with trade agreements. Examples include Sidley Austin, and WilmerHale.  

Jobs: https://www.sidley.com/en/us/careerslanding/ ; https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/careers 

  1. Customs and Trade Advisory – Major consulting firmsadvisecustoms compliance and trade-related disputes. These include PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.  

Jobs: https://kpmg.com/pl/en/home/careers.html ; https://kariera.pwc.pl/pl/pl/search-results/ ; https://www.deloittelegal.de/dl/en/careers.html ; https://careers.ey.com/ 

International Intellectual Property Law (Private Sector)

Lawyers in this specialization help clients protect and enforce intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, across jurisdictions. This may include managing international filings, negotiating cross-border licensing agreements, advising global brand strategy, and litigating infringement cases in foreign courts or before international tribunals. 

Institutions:  

  1. Specialized Intellectual Property Firms – These global firms manage international patent disputes, copyrightlawand brand protection. They work on cross-border licensing, international patent litigation and Intellectual Property arbitration. Examples include Bird & Bird, Allen and Overy, and Hogan Lovells.  

Jobs: https://www.twobirds.com/en/capabilities/practices/intellectual-property ; https://www.aoshearman.com/en/careers ; https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/global-careers 

  1. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – The United Nations Agency administers international IP Treaties. It is an intergovernmental organization, yet much of its practice is in the private sector. 

Jobs: 

https://www.unjobnet.org/organization/WIPO#:~:text=At%20WIPO%20we%20are%20looking%20for%20talented%20individuals,software%20engineers%2C%20to%20designers%2C%20lawyers%2C%20statisticians%20and%20more.; https://www.wipo.int/en/web/working-at-wipo 

  1. Technology Companies – These major firms require lawyers to ensure that their intellectual property is protected internationally. They work to protect patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets in variousjurisdictions. Examples may include Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. 

Jobs: https://www.metacareers.com/jobs ; https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/global/en/job/1605547/Legal-Counsel ; https://jobs.apple.com/en-us/search?team=legal-CORSV-LEG ; https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/job-categories/legal