What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Despite differences between the legal systems of different countries, legal personnel are surprisingly mobile. To find out about European and global opportunities, see the:

• Chambers Student Guide to the Legal Profession
• The UK Legal 500
• Hieros Gamos Worldwide Law Firms Directory  
• Waterlow Legal

Will my qualifications be recognised?

• Recognition of qualifications will depend on the country and/or state you are seeking to work in.
• European directives make it possible for individuals to qualify in one member state and practise in another. This should enable lawyers to advise on the law of their home state, European and international law, and the law of their host state. EU states may involve taking additional aptitude tests or serving a period of probation in the new state. For further information, contact the relevant bar association or law society. Details of all relevant law societies and professional bodies for each member state is available from The Council of Bar and Law Societies of Europe .

Where are the opportunities?

• The Court of Justice of the European Union  employs a number of experienced ‘lawyer linguists’, responsible for translating court documents between EU languages.
• The European Commission  employs lawyers at its offices in Brussels in all of the Commission’s directorates, ranging from agriculture to home affairs.
• Large international and European law firms and companies may offer opportunities to serve periods of time in their international and European branches, some offering a placement abroad during traineeship.
• The United Nations (UN)  offers opportunities for experienced lawyers. Internships are offered at its headquarters in New York to students studying at Masters or PhD level, with recruitment taking place by competitive examination.
• The International Court of Justice  operates in a similar way to the Court of Justice of the European Communities and offers internships for those interested in international law.
• The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)  can facilitate internships in the USA.
• ‘Stages’ are periods of training for new graduates within one of the EU institutions. Lasting up to six months, they provide a starting point for graduates considering a career in European law. For further details, see The European Commission (Representation in the UK)  and EuroBrussels .
• Courses leading to the New York Bar examinations are taught in the UK. Students sit the final examinations in New York. However, completing this qualification is no guarantee of obtaining employment. Further information on qualifying in the USA can be found at the Fulbright Commission . Also see the International Bar Association .
• There are many internships available to students in non-governmental organisations as well as political and campaigning organisations. Idealist  also places students in internships.
• The armed forces also employs lawyers, with the chance of international postings.
• If you are seeking employment in other jurisdictions, contact the relevant bar association or law society for details of additional qualifications and employment opportunities.