Globalization has increased the scope for both Public and Private international Law. It has equally increased the complexities. In the advent of 21st century, a study of norms relating to sustainable development, human rights, Air Law, Space Law, International Organisations etc. is of significant importance. We have become ‘One World’; dependent on each other for our existence and welfare. The dynamism brought by the time has also increased the career options in International Law. The employers for international law aspirants could be private law firms, government agencies, NGO’s and international organizations. A career option in international law requires good skills of research, drafting, knowledge of English and preferably one more foreign language.
To enumerate a few career options:
- International lawyer: The avenues for practice in International law have increase with growth of both public and private international law issues. There are lot of international dispute settlement bodies which require lawyer’s expert in a specific area of International law. You need to specialize in any one aspect for a job in international law firm for ex. international arbitration, family law issues, admiralty etc.
- Jugde /Arbitrator: With the growth of International dispute settlement bodies, this career option also has increased opportunities.
- Government official: Here the roles offered to you could be very specific or broad also. Most of the jobs opportunities are there with ministry of your country.
- International Civil Servant: A job in international organization like United Nations Organization is highly lucrative. You could also be working for a specific organization like United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the International Labour Organization (ILO). Regional organizations also need people trained in International Law for ex South Asian Association for regional cooperation (SAARC).
- Private NGO’s: Private NGO’s like Amnesty International, Greenpeace and CARE need researchers trained in International Law because of the nature of their research areas.
- Teaching and research: it is becoming increasing difficult to find teachers in International Law. This career option would require PhD and relevant eligibility exams of your country. For ex NET/SET in India.
- Consultancy: You can become consultant to international and national organizations. This option would require expertise and experience to have sufficient goodwill to get clients
- Diplomacy: Diplomacy is a very good career option for a person trained in International Relations and International Law.
Author
Dr. Priya Sondhi (Associate Professor, SOL)
