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If you’ve seen Suits, you’ll agree the lawyering profession is of unrivaled coolness in popular culture. Now, practicing law on an international scale—that’s even more impressive. But the most surprising thing as you learn how to become an international lawyer is how meaningful a global impact can feel.

For those of you interested in international law careers at the biggest firms, let’s explore how you can choose an area of specialization and study for success.

What is an international lawyer?

An international lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in international law. That means the system of rules and agreements that govern relationships across borders. While domestic laws vary from nation to nation, international lawyers work within legal frameworks that span multiple jurisdictions.

We can divide international law into three main areas.

1. Public international law

This covers disputes between nations about treaties, international human rights and the law of the sea.

2. Private international law

This deals with cross-border disputes between individuals or companies.

3. Supranational law

Supranational law involves legal systems, like that of the European Union, which can override national laws under certain conditions.

What do international lawyers do?

International law jobs vary, with lawyers specializing in areas like international trade law, taxation, security law or cross-border business in transactions and disputes. Responsibilities and career benefits will vary depending on the role. However, we’ve broken them down into some key areas.

Key responsibilities

Cross-border legal counsel: Helping clients navigate legal systems in different countries by overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers.

Diplomacy: Advising on law in politics to assist diplomacy, similarly bridging gaps in culture and language.

Case coordination: Working with local consultants and officials to find legal solutions across jurisdictions, which could involve obtaining licenses or settling minor disputes.

International development: This field is particular to developing regions, with legal work focusing on trade, health, finance and intellectual property.

Global legal systems: Applying international treaties and laws to issues including climate policy, maritime law and global taxation.

Career benefits

Travel: Experiencing the world by working abroad or attending global conferences.

Diversity: Working with a range of clients including governments, NGOs, IGOs or multinational corporations.

Demand: Enjoying high demand due to the increasing need for legal experts in cross-border transactions and international policy.

Impact: Gaining fulfillment by fighting for important causes, including human rights abuses, war crimes and trafficking.

How to become an international lawyer?

The role promises plenty of career benefits, but how do you become an international lawyer? Well, the short answer is to get qualified. And that requires years of study.

Many lawyers—though not all—begin with undergraduate studies in law. But earning a bachelor’s in global affairs or other related fields can be a good step forward, too. This is also a good moment to learn a foreign language when studying abroad, since multilingualism is a huge plus for international law offices. Studying abroad is equally helpful in gaining a global mindset, due to exposure to new cultures.

Next, top lawyers opt for a competitive master’s degree, like our LL.M. in International Legal Studies. This gives you a solid training in core legal principles and specialized skills. After completing foundational subjects like contract law and constitutional law, students can choose electives such as international trade law, human rights, or multinational business law. Some law schools even offer a concentration or major in international law. This is the moment to take on internships, clinics or further study-abroad programs that set you up to practice law professionally.

Each country has its own set of criteria for licensing lawyers beyond academic studies. However, a good master’s degree will set you on the right path to passing things like the Bar and set you apart in job interviews. You’ll then be able to work for government agencies, international organizations NGOs, or multinational corporations. To further specialize, some pursue an Executive LL.M. to gain advanced expertise which carves out a niche for them in international law.

Are there specific programs on how to become an international business lawyer?

To become an international business lawyer, aspiring professionals need to understand multiple legal systems, cross-border regulations, and how international trade and technology shape modern commerce. Programs like our Executive LL.M. help legal professionals take the next step in their careers, offering a joint curriculum alongside Northwestern Pritzker School of Law to deliver specialized training in business and law. Graduates go on to work in areas like dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and international commerce.

How long does it take to become an international lawyer?

Becoming an international lawyer typically takes several years of focused education and experience, especially if you aim to work on complex, cross-border matters. After completing a bachelor’s degree (usually three to four years), you’ll need to earn a law degree, which can take one to four years depending on the country.

But your education doesn’t end at graduation. It takes time to build a profile in international law. Many lawyers build networks by joining groups like the International Bar Association (IBA), the New York State Bar’s International Section, or the Law Society of England and Wales to connect with early-career opportunities across the globe.

Altogether, it can take around seven to nine years to become fully positioned for international law jobs.

So, you want to ensure you’re investing your time and money in the right place. The payoff is a dynamic career, with opportunities to work on high-stakes deals, shape international policy and advise major corporations or institutions across borders. The path is demanding, but with the right qualifications and global mindset, it’s well within reach.

Study with us at IE Law School

If you’re looking to build a career as an international lawyer, the LL.M. in International Legal Studies at IE Law School is your next step. You’ll learn about international economic law, human rights and environmental law—preparing you to navigate the challenges of globalization, digital transformation, and cross-border legal issues. With a strong comparative and interdisciplinary approach, you’ll graduate ready for the modern legal landscape.

We combine academic rigor with real-world experience, giving you hands-on learning opportunities through moot courts, legal clinics and opportunities for internships. You’ll also benefit from our strategic partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which includes exclusive workshops, mentorship and an optional immersion experience at ICC headquarters in Paris.

Want to study with a diverse student body in Madrid? Ready to gain the knowledge, tools and network to boost your career? Follow the link below.