International Law Careers: Career Advice

The experience of many students studying public international law at university is, 'This is fascinating, but what can I do with it?' While this Guide in no way detracts from the more intangible reasons to study international law, it is practically focused and explores the options available to law graduates beyond traditional or domestic law career paths. The range of possible careers is vast - from human rights to investment law and from the courtroom or boardroom to the refugee camp - and the Guide offers a step-by-step approach to considering whether and how to pursue a career in one of these areas. The essential message is that international law jobs are out there and attainable if approached strategically and with perseverance. In this second edition, the text - written as a series of questions and answers - is supplemented by a broader range of practitioners' views and experiences, as well as updated appendices containing concrete information on the most useful internships, short courses and Master's programmes.

Careers in International Law has become a best-selling classic for law students and attorneys interested in starting an international legal practice - as a private practitioner, as in-house counsel, in the public sector, or working at an NGO. This Fifth Edition presents a broad lineup of diverse contributors, who share their experiences of how they transitioned into international legal practice. The authors detail their goals, their paths, and how their professional lives have evolved. Some authors found themselves in the international arena almost by chance or led by client needs, while others created a strategy for developing an international practice. While the diversity of the contributors enlightens the richness of their experiences, each personal story has a take-away message for all.