Researching Law Firms
Legal Career Websites and Books
Job Postings Online
Networking Opportunities
Thoughts and Advice
Other Career Guides
Researching Law Firms
Looking for a summer job or full-time position at a law firm with an international practice? |
If you're looking for a position in Ohio, check out the listing: |
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Both documents provide basic contact information and firm websites.
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| If you're looking nationwide, try: |
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Need additional resources? These directories and online sources may help:
- West Legal Directory - International
Contains profiles of law firms, branch offices, and biographical records of attorneys that practice international law or are located outside the U.S. Westlaw [WLD-INT database]
- Butterworths Law Directory
Covers the U.K.Lexis [Legal > Reference > Directories > Butterworths Law Directory]
Legal Career Websites & Books
- Learn about fellowships, internships, grants, and pro-bono opportunities in international law through ASIL, The American Society of International Law's Career Development page.
- Careers in International Law, edited by Salli Anne Swartz
KZ1238.U55 C37 2008
- Careers in International Law: A Guide to Career Paths and Internships in International Law, 2007-2008.
KZ1238.U55 C473
- Careers in International Affairs, edited by Maria Pinto Carland and Lisa A. Gihring JZ1238.U6 C37 2003
Job Postings Online
These are just a few of the many job search sites online that include postings for jobs in international law.
- Vault Select international practice area or specialty.
Networking Opportunities
Don't underestimate the importance of networking when exploring job opportunities in international law. Here are several suggestions for meeting local, national, and international contacts who may help you advance your career options:
The International Law Students Association (ILSA) sponsors the annual Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Jessup Moot Court brings together participants from over 500 law schools in more than 80 countries. Cleveland-Marshall regularly sends teams to Jessup Moot Court.
Meet Cleveland local attorneys involved in both private and public international law in the International Law Section of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. The Section holds bi-monthly roundtable discussions, annual CLEs, and also publishes the Global Action newsletter. Law students can become members for free. C-M law students can contact Prof. Sundahl at mark.sundahl@law.csuohio.edu for more information.
For national and international networking, a student membership in ASIL, The American Society of of International Law would be ideal. ASIL's annual meeting held each spring in Washington, D.C. is an excellent opportunity to network with some of the most prominent attorneys and judges working in the field. Law students regularly attend this important conference and other ASIL events.
The ABA's Section of International Law offers another opportunity for networking. The Section's Student Headquarters features podcasts on international law careers, a writing competition, and the Pathways to Employment in International Law forum.
Thoughts and Advice
Get expert advice, helpful tips, and inspiration from practitioners in the field:
- Career Advice for International Lawyers (Oct. 17, 2008) post to International Law Prof Blog
- Should You Pursue an International Law Career? (Oct. 9, 2006) post to Transnational Law Blog
- Advice from Alumni and Practitioners (Center for International Law at New York Law School)
Read about the career paths of attorneys and judges from a diverse range of international law fields. This information is published with permission from Careers in International Law by the American Society of International Law.
- Mark E. Wojcik, Practical Career Advice for Young International Lawyers: How to Build A Killer Resume, Network Effectively, Create Your Own Opportunities, and Live Happily Ever After 5 ILSA J. Int'l & Comp. L. 455 (Spring 1999) [Westlaw access] Although a decade old now, the basic points covered in this article—resume building, student groups, networking, bar association membership, interning and volunteering, teaching English to foreign lawyers, language skills, and publishing—are still as valid in 2009 as they were in 1999. Just apply a heavy dose of Web 2.0 skills and modify accordingly!
Other Career Guides
You can find more tips and suggestions in these international law career guides from law schools around the country.
Prepared for the Office of Career Planning - August 2007, updated May 2009 (aeb) |