Law is a universal practice and, in an increasingly interconnected world, more and more firms are now spreading their wings – and services – around the globe. Choosing to work abroad, even if it’s just for a short time, could potentially give your legal career a boost. Below we explore some of the benefits of working overseas and how it could help your legal career.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 02 October 2024.
Enhance your international legal knowledge
Law is often unique to the country it’s practiced in. Even within the UK, you’ll find legal proceedings can differ between England and Wales and Scotland. If you’re looking to improve your legal knowledge then seeking legal work experience overseas could be for you. By working for a firm abroad – even for a short time in a junior role – you’ll gain an insight into the unique and distinctive legal systems of your temporary home. This international perspective could change how you approach legal challenges in your future career.
Legal work is increasingly taking place on an international scale. No matter whether it’s corporation law, intellectual property law, human rights or charity law you’re looking to practice, the work increasingly requires an international perspective. Some countries may allow you to stay and work for a set period. An invaluable way to see the day to day operations of an international firm. Even differing approaches to preparing legal paperwork or producing trial bundles can be excellent experience offering a distinct way of working.
Whilst you may never intend to practice law in the country you’re working, it will still provide you with a fascinating look at the legal landscape, history, and governance of a nation. A great advantage if you’re hoping to work for the biggest law firms in the UK, or indeed the world.
Develop your language skills
Working abroad provides the perfect opportunity to learn or improve your language skills. We’re not saying you’ll become an expert in another language, but being able to communicate with international colleagues with some level of proficiency can make you more distinctive to potential employers.
Another benefit of navigating a potential language barrier is that it forces you to reflect on how you communicate your legal perspectives and arguments. Can you make your point clearer with simpler language? Is an idea becoming lost in translation? It can be challenging, but it will ultimately improve your communication skills for the better.
Improve cultural awareness
No matter where you choose to practice law you’ll encounter people from all walks of life. Working abroad can help strengthen your capacity for traversing the cultural differences you’ll encounter throughout your career. It might feel a little intimidating at first, but by becoming more culturally informed you’ll develop a skill for adapting your approach to meet the needs of your client, no matter their background.
Personal development
You’ll no doubt have heard the phrase, ‘travel broadens the mind’. It might sound like a cliché, but travelling and working abroad can be an opportunity for personal growth. You’ll be exposed to new ways of living and learning. You’ll likely need to become more independent as you find your feet within an unfamiliar society and discover a new culture. This independence and resilience will be a much needed asset when it comes to your career too.
How do I find overseas legal experience opportunities?
There are a number of ways you can look for overseas opportunities in the legal sector, many of which aren’t too different from finding an opportunity at home. Many law firms offer internships, secondments, or clerkships in their overseas offices, so the websites of international organisations are a great place to start. Though competitive, there are often opportunities for students to go and work for an international firm through internships, volunteering and pro bono opportunities.
Do I need to work abroad?
Absolutely not. Working abroad isn’t for everyone. Whether it’s simply a personal choice or your decision is influenced by other factors – such as family commitments or financial pressures – there are many reasons for people choosing not to travel. Law is a thriving industry. No matter where you choose to pursue your legal experience you’ll find opportunities for work.
Furthermore, if working abroad isn’t an option for you right now we have a range of courses designed to incorporate the growing need for international legal knowledge. For example, our LLB (Hons) in Law with International Business combines legal study with numerous aspects of international business law. We also have a range of masters degrees with an international consideration, including courses for International Corporate Governance, International Business Law, International Human Rights Law and more.
If you’re looking to broaden your legal skills consider our range of postgraduate law courses and enrol today.
