Some of our most ambitious BA LLB students opt for International Law careers. They find working for international organisations (such as the United Nations (UN)) or various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) both rewarding and impactful.
If you are also interested in International Law careers, International Organisations jobs, or UN careers for lawyers, this article is for you. Here, we will also discuss the diverse roles available for lawyers in International Development and International Human Rights Law.
What are International Law Careers?
International law careers encompass a wide range of specialisations, such as:
- International Human Rights Law,
- Environmental Law,
- Trade Law,
- Humanitarian Law, and
- International Criminal Law.
We can say that lawyers in this field work on issues that involve cross-national borders and often, multiple jurisdictions.
Hence, if you want to go for International Law careers, you must learn about their scope and identify your areas of interest. You will also need to learn how to navigate legal principles and frameworks governing relations between nations, international organisations, and individuals on a global scale.
How to make a career in International Human Rights Law?
To make a career in International Human Rights Law, BA LLB students should focus on:
- Specialising in human rights during their studies.
- Gain practical experience through internships with NGOs, international organisations, or UN bodies.
- Pursue advanced degrees like an LLM in International Human Rights Law to deepen your expertise after graduation.
- Engage in networking by joining relevant associations and attending conferences.
- Consider entry-level International Organisations jobs and UN careers for lawyers to build a foundation.
Also, you must make an effort to stay informed about global human rights issues. You can demonstrate a strong commitment to advocacy and justice to excel in this vital area of International Law careers by:
- volunteering to work with local and international human rights organisations,
- researching human rights issues and contributing articles or papers to academic journals and online platforms, and
- getting involved in campaigns and advocacy efforts that address human rights violations.
If you are proficient in multiple languages, it can be a significant asset in international law careers – allowing you to work in diverse regions and communicate effectively with a wider range of stakeholders.
How Environmental Law expertise can lead to International Law careers?
The growing global focus on sustainability, climate change policies, and the increasing demand for legal expertise in environmental regulations make Environmental Law careers quite lucrative. Environmental law expertise opens a gateway to international law careers as environmental problems (such as transboundary pollution, climate change, and biodiversity conservation) often transcend national borders, requiring international cooperation and legal frameworks.
Numerous international organisations, including the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focus on environmental issues. They require lawyers with specialised knowledge to develop policies, negotiate agreements, and enforce regulations.
Also, environmental law often intersects with International Trade and Investment Law. So, lawyers who have expertise in both these areas are sought after to advise on compliance and dispute resolution, particularly in areas like sustainable development and green technologies. Environmental law experts are also hired to advise on policies, carbon markets, and renewable energy projects; and to advocate for vulnerable communities (suffering due to environmental degradation).
Other Top Areas for International Law Careers
- Trade Law: It focuses on the regulations governing international trade between nations. BA LLB students can pursue careers in this field by specialising in international trade agreements, tariffs, and dispute resolution.
Careers in this area are lucrative due to the complexities of global commerce and the need for legal expertise in navigating trade policies.
- Humanitarian Law: Humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflict, deals with the protection of individuals during wars and conflicts. You can work with NGOs, international organisations, and the UN if you want to make a career in this field.
This field is crucial for ensuring compliance with international treaties like the Geneva Conventions, making it a vital area in International Law careers.
- International Criminal Law: International criminal law addresses crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. You may end up working in international tribunals, the International Criminal Court, and NGOs.
Careers in this field are impactful and challenging, focusing on prosecuting perpetrators and upholding justice on a global scale.
What are some UN careers for lawyers?
The United Nations (UN) offers a variety of impactful career opportunities. Lawyers can work as:
- Legal Officers focusing on international treaties and agreements,
- Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) positions that provide entry-level experience,
- Human Rights Officers work on protecting and promoting human rights globally,
- International Criminal Court prosecutors addressing crimes like genocide and war crimes,
- Roles in environmental law and sustainable development involve crafting policies and regulations to combat climate change.
These careers offer the chance to work on significant global issues, making them highly rewarding and influential.
What are some other International Organisations jobs you can go for?
Besides the United Nationals, you can also work for:
- World Trade Organization (WTO): Lawyers can work on trade disputes, negotiations, and policy advisory, focusing on international trade laws and agreements.
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Roles include advising on humanitarian law, conducting field missions, and working on legal protections for victims of conflict.
- Amnesty International: Lawyers can engage in human rights advocacy, research, and policy development to protect and promote global human rights.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF): Positions involve advising on financial regulations, compliance, and international economic law.
- Greenpeace: Legal roles in this NGO focus on environmental advocacy, litigation, and policy development to address global environmental challenges.
These positions offer diverse opportunities to make a significant impact in various international law-related fields.
How to network with lawyers in International Development?
International Development aims to improve global quality of life and economic well-being, particularly in developing countries. For law students, it means engaging in legal frameworks, human rights protection, and policy advocacy to support sustainable and equitable growth.
If you are interested in such endeavours, we advise you to attend international law conferences and seminars, join professional associations like the International Bar Association, participate in online forums and webinars, and seek internships or volunteer opportunities with relevant NGOs and international organisations.
Engaging on LinkedIn can also help build valuable connections.
How to get hired by international organisations as a lawyer?
- Specialise in Relevant Areas
- Focus on international law, human rights, trade law, and environmental law during your BA LLB.
- Consider pursuing an LLM in International Law for advanced knowledge.
- Gain Practical Experience
- Intern with NGOs, international organisations, and law firms that handle international cases.
- Volunteer for human rights campaigns or legal aid organisations.
- Develop Language Skills
- Learn additional languages, especially those used in international diplomacy like French, Spanish, or Arabic.
- Take language courses or use language learning apps to enhance proficiency.
- Engage in Networking
- Join professional associations such as the International Bar Association.
- Attend international law conferences, seminars, and webinars.
- Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and participate in relevant online forums.
- Enhance Analytical and Research Skills
- Engage in moot court competitions and legal research projects.
- Publish articles or research papers in international law journals.
- Stay Informed
- Follow global news and developments in international law.
- Subscribe to international law journals and newsletters.
- Seek Mentorship
- Find mentors who are actively practising your coveted international law careers.
- Seek guidance on career paths and professional development.
- Prepare an Impressive CV and Cover Letter
- Highlight relevant education, experience, and skills.
- Tailor your application to the specific requirements of the international organisation.
- Apply for Fellowships and Scholarships
- Look for fellowships and scholarships that offer internships or placements with international organisations.
By following these steps, BA LLB students can enhance their prospects of securing International Organisations jobs and building successful careers in international law.
Conclusion
Pursuing an International Law career can offer you a chance to make a significant global impact and make the world a better place. By specialising in areas such as International Human Rights Law, gaining practical experience, networking, and staying informed, students can position themselves for rewarding International Law careers.
Roles in international organisations, including the UN and various NGOs, provide diverse and impactful opportunities and allow lawyers to contribute to global justice, development, and sustainability.
