We sat down with Steve Gordon, Brooklyn Law School’s Associate Director of Career Services, to discuss how law students can find meaningful work abroad in international law. The key to landing your dream job is to start early—some deadlines may be as early as mid-fall—and keep an open mind, he said.
• Start your search by stopping by the Career Services Office. Be sure to pick up “The Resource Guide to International Law” and “Selected Opportunities in International Law” handouts before you leave!
• Make sure you search for a position with a focus on international law—just because the job is abroad doesn’t mean it will involve international law.
• Highlight any international experience on your resume, including study abroad, teaching English overseas, Peace Corps or military experience.
• If your resume is lacking, try to parlay your local experience into international work. For example, if you’re working at a financial institution, try to get involved in international transactions. Always look for the international angle.
• Most internships are unpaid, so take time to research the different ways you can help fund your international law internship, such as the BLS International Human Rights Fellowship.
• Have an open mind! International law is a broad field, and there are many routes you can take within the profession.
• Most importantly, start early! Securing a visa and completing paperwork can be a lengthy process.
Can’t go abroad, but still want to snag an international law internship? Gordon says there are still plenty of great international law opportunities in the U.S., especially with the federal government in Washington D.C.. For a comprehensive list of government opportunities, check out:
• The University of Arizona Government Summer and Honors Handbook and The University of Arizona Public Policy programs Handbook. Your career advisor can provide you with the password.
Other online resources:
• Use Martindale-Hubbell to research law firms with offices abroad.
— Written by assistant editors Nicolette Lotrionte ’13 and Elizabeth McKenzie ’13
A version of this article appeared in print in the December 2010 issue of the Bridge.
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