4 min read

You might not think it, but international law is a field of work populated by many types of professionals. Of course, the most obvious of those are the legal specialists. But professionals in diplomacy, sustainability, economics, human rights, trade, technology and public policy are also making a home there.

And, since many of the roles shaping these issues don’t require traditional legal practice, professionals with unique hard skills are finding themselves sought after in top firms. With that in mind, let’s take a look at careers in international law for lawyers and multi-disciplinary profiles, and how the LL.M. in International Legal Studies can take you there.

What opportunities exist in the public sector?

International organizations and multilateral institutions

Institutions such as the UN, WTO, World Bank, OECD and EU agencies rely heavily on international legal frameworks. Professionals in policy, program management, governance, compliance and analysis draw on legal reasoning daily, whether they’re assessing treaty commitments, drafting policy briefs or evaluating institutional risks. The ability to interpret global norms signals readiness for greater responsibility and cross-border work.

Sustainability, climate action and human rights

Environmental governance, migration, humanitarian response and human rights protection all operate through international agreements. Professionals in NGOs, development agencies and philanthropic organizations benefit from understanding these mechanisms, because it deepens their ability to engage with climate negotiations, human rights monitoring or policy implementation. Legal awareness strengthens strategic decision-making in roles focused on global impact.

International trade, business strategy and economic policy

Trade agreements, sanctions, investment treaties and dispute resolution systems influence the decisions of multinational companies. Global strategy teams, public affairs departments and consulting firms value team members who can interpret regulatory shifts, anticipate risks and understand how cross-border rules shape markets. Legal fluency informs everything from market entry to sustainability commitments.

What opportunities exist in the private sector?

Energy, telecommunications and technology

These sectors move within complex regulatory ecosystems. Professionals who understand international standards – from data governance to environmental regulation – are better positioned to support innovation, compliance and strategic planning. Their value lies in bridging technical, commercial and regulatory perspectives.

Consulting and risk advisory

Consulting firms increasingly recruit interdisciplinary thinkers who can analyze regulatory developments and transform them into actionable recommendations. When global reforms or disputes affect industries, people with legal awareness help companies navigate uncertainty and make informed choices.

Think tanks, research centers and policy institutes

Research institutions working on security, development, trade or climate policy rely on professionals who can map global governance systems with precision. Legal understanding brings depth to analysis and communication, strengthening credibility with institutional partners.

Why do interdisciplinary professionals stand out?

Candidates with backgrounds in international relations, economics, business, environmental studies or political science already understand the new global order. Adding a legal foundation enhances their ability to analyze decisions, negotiate effectively and interpret institutional behavior.

Legal training offers a structured way to unpack complex issues. It sharpens judgment and supports evidence-based reasoning. In environments where multiple stakeholders, jurisdictions and interests collide, this clarity becomes a significant professional advantage.

The LL.M. in International Legal Studies supports this trajectory. While it’s perfect for lawyers wanting to specialize in international law, it’s also open to those without a technical background in law. By offering grounding in public international law, international economic law, environmental governance, human rights and dispute resolution. Students apply these tools to contemporary global challenges through debates, cases and simulation-based learning. The program is designed for people who want to understand international law as a foundation for global careers, not solely for legal practice.

If you want your career to move across borders, you need the tools to operate in international environments with confidence. The LL.M. in International Legal Studies gives you that foundation. You work directly with the frameworks, institutions and legal systems that drive global decisions, and you learn how to navigate them in a practical, hands-on way.

The program is designed for globally minded professionals who want to sharpen their analytical edge and understand how international rules evolve. You’re taught by leading academics and practitioners, guided by Academic Director Joseph Weiler, and supported by IE Law School’s partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce.

Through seminars, mentoring and optional immersion experiences in Paris and Geneva, you build a network and skill set that translate directly into real roles.

By the time you finish, you’re ready to step into careers in international organizations, multinationals, sustainability teams, legal practice, consulting or policy work. You can deepen your focus through specialized tracks and even add a business certificate from IE Business School. If your goal is to shape decisions rather than watch them happen, this program gives you the platform to do it.