In the last 30 years, the business has become increasingly global and this has resulted in the growth of global law firms that are characterized by their ability to provide coordinated legal services in a wide range of international jurisdictions that meet the needs of global clients. It is an ongoing trend of the legal industry as globalization continues to gain pace.
Lawyers that want to work for a global law firm have a range of opportunities available and there are many definitions of what constitutes being an international lawyer. At a minimum, the title refers to lawyers qualified to operate in two (or more) international jurisdictions with the roles of lawyers in global firms these days are much more interconnected. Cross-border disputes, for example, can require US-qualified lawyers to operate in foreign offices, different legal jurisdictions, and through other firms have their own rules for how the process works. By becoming a registered foreign lawyer a person is able to practice the law of their home jurisdiction while working in a foreign office dealing with US legal issues.
Working abroad, however, is not a necessary component to being involved in international work; working in a US office can provide just as much exposure to international law with a range of legal issues having global implications. Almost all legal matters have some international or cross-border impacts that lawyers have to be aware of.
For lawyers looking for a career path that includes working on international legal matters law school is the place to start. Students should, at a minimum, take classes in comparative international law which will help them to understand the various types of legal regimes that apply in different parts of the world. Students don’t have to learn the detailed legal codes, but it’s important to understand the basics and how they can impact legal requirements in different jurisdictions.
Prospective international lawyers also need certain personal skills to be effective one of the most important of which is to be interested in, and comfortable, with different cultures. Traveling extensively is a good way to gain experience of other cultures. While basic knowledge of international laws is necessary, lawyers also need to combine legal knowledge with this cultural curiosity.
Once working at a global firm, lawyers often begin on international work immediately; in fact, this work can be thrust upon associates right from the start. While certain practice areas make it easier to gain international legal experience, lawyers in a global law firm should expect international exposure began on day one.
