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International Lawyer Job Description

Sujata Iyer
This Story will help you understand an international lawyer job description and the requirements for becoming one. So, if you're planning a career in international law, you will definitely benefit from the information shared ahead.
A profession in law is something that many young aspirants wish to have, but it all boils down to the select few who have the mental and physical capability to get through the rigorous studying routines, not to mention the grueling examinations and tests.
If that was not enough, actually practicing it is a position that is filled with immense responsibility towards both, the client as well as the law. And that's just one particular type of lawyer in one particular state or country.
Now imagine someone who has to be well aware of the legal rules, regulations, etc. of more than one nation! Frightening?? Well, that's what an international lawyer's job description is all about.
An international lawyer, as the name very obviously suggests, is a lawyer who deals with legal matters of international stature. This Story will give you a brief knowledge about an international lawyer's job description. Have a read.

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What an International Lawyer Does

Before we see the requirements to be fulfilled in order to get started as an international lawyer, let us have a look at the job description of one. It is quite similar to a lawyer's job, but there are some subtle differences.
  • An international lawyer may be appointed at companies that have international dealings, law firms dealing with international clients, or even with the government of a nation.
  • The exact job description of an international lawyer, just like that of any other lawyer, will depend on the field that he has chosen to specialize in.
  • For an international lawyer, it could be anything from banking, finance, maritime, corporate, transport, sports, mergers and acquisitions, labor, immigration, crime, intellectual property, etc. All these fields are handled at the international level and solved by taking the laws of all the nations involved into consideration.
  • The average salary of a person working as international lawyer is roughly between $120,000 and $1430,000.
  • Plus, being an international job profile, there's no doubt that the job will be quite an interesting one, filled with new dealings and situations with different cases.
  • Also, being employed by a large international corporation will ensure a firmer financial holding, compared to the local or national counterparts.
  • An international lawyer has more opportunities and requirement to go abroad in relation to the various cases from other countries.

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Requirements to be an International Lawyer

As far as the requirements for becoming an international lawyer go, they're rather simple to list down. It's the actual realization of these requirements that can prove to be quite a monumental task for people attempting them. Given below are the steps that are required to be taken in order to fulfill those responsibilities.
  • Needless to say, the most fundamental requirement for becoming an international or any kind of lawyer is an undergraduate degree. This degree can be in any stream, though majors in international economics, politics etc. will be beneficial. A major in an extra language will also help.
  • After you have your undergraduate degree, you can apply at institutes and universities that offer post-graduate programs in law, specifically dealing with international law. These schools will give you a better idea of what to expect in international law.
  • Complete your postgraduate degree, by specializing in the fields of taxation, politics, immigration, maritime, trade, etc. all in the international sector if possible.
  • When you apply at an institute, make sure that it is accredited to a reputed law school or university.
  • After you have your postgraduate degree, you can take the bar exam and get the required license to begin practicing law in the field of your choice, in the state of your choice.
  • After you pass the bar exam and get your license, you can practice (with a firm or as an individual) in the state of your choice, while side by side attending courses that specialize in the various aspects of international law governing the areas of your interest.
Thus, you need to gain as much experience as you can, along with getting certified in courses regarding international studies, and keeping abreast of all international policies regarding your field of interest, and then you can apply at firms to work as an international lawyer.
Hope this information on the job description and the career requirements of an international lawyer has helped you come one step closer to realizing your dream of becoming one. Give it your all and you'll surely overcome any hurdle that comes your way.