Careers in International Law | University of Michigan Law School

Many students identify that they are interested in pursuing a career in International Law. But what exactly does that mean or look like?

The definition of International Law is expansive, but for career exploration purposes you can break it down generally into two categories: “public” and “private.” It can mean working in the public sector (domestically or abroad) on legal work that is international in scope. It can also mean working in the private sector representing international clients or in an office based outside of the United States.

For those students interested in the former, we will use the term “Public International Law” in providing career guidance. And for those students interested in the latter, we refer you to the portions of the website tailored to private practice. The good news is that no one career path exists for students interested in either “public” or “private” International Law. Indeed, we encourage you to explore all avenues as you prepare for a Global Practice.

Public International Law

Public International Law is traditionally defined as the law between sovereign nation-states, especially within the context of the laws of war, peace, and security and protection of territories. However, it has expanded to include a more diverse group of subjects and activities, development, individuals and international organizations.

The practice of Public International Law involves a wide range of activities requiring a variety of skills. It may include human rights work, providing humanitarian aid, clerking for an international court or tribunal, working for a regional organization, advocating for local communities, building up rule of law mechanisms, drafting legislation, assisting refugee and migrant populations, implementing sustainable development goals, advising on trade policy, et al.

While pursuing opportunities in this field is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Below you will find some information and reference resources to get you started. We strongly recommend making an appointment with an OCP counselor to help you craft your own individual search.

Where can I practice public international law?

U.S. Federal Government

There are a wide number of opportunities to practice public international law within the U.S. government. Some examples include:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Trade Representative
Department of Agriculture
Department of Energy
Department of Justice, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training
Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of International Affairs
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Intergovernmental Organizations (IOs)

An IO is an entity created by treaty involving two or more nations. They address a wide range of substantive issues of law, for example: human rights, economic and social development, hunger and poverty alleviation, capacity building, environmental law, etc. They can be organized worldwide or regionally. Some examples include:
United Nations
UN Conference on Trade and Development
UN Development Programme
UNICEF
International Monetary Fund
World Bank
African Development Bank
European Commission
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
The Global Fund
World Health Organization
World Intellectual Property Organization
World Trade Organization
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

There are thousands of these types of organizations worldwide. They can be local, national or international. They use a variety of advocacy methods and are best known for taking action in bringing human rights issues to the fore and developing legal principles that command the attention of states. Some examples include:
Human Rights Watch
International Rescue Committee
Amnesty International
Center for International Environmental Law
Center for Reproductive Rights
EarthRights
International Society for Human Rights
International Commission of Jurists
International Institute for Sustainable Development
International Courts and Tribunals

International courts and tribunals are permanent judicial bodies made up of independent judges, entrusted to adjudicate international disputes on the basis of international law. There are a wide variety of international courts and tribunals with varying degrees of relation to the UN. Some examples include:
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Court of Justice of the European Union
European Court of Human Rights
European Free Trade Agreement Court
Inter-American Court of Human Rights
International Court of Justice
International Criminal Court
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
World Bank International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
Constitutional Court of South Africa

Career Exploration Resources

Michigan Law Resources
There are a number of excellent resources available to you right here on campus. Make an appointment with an Office of Career Planning counselor to help you craft an individualized search.
- Symplicity
- Public Service Network, search by “International” for a list of places where student have worked
- Faculty
Other Resources
- PSJD.org: Search under “Resources, Public Sector Career Paths, International” for a number of excellent guides including:
  - Human Rights Careers
  - U.S. Work Eligibility for non-U.S. Citizens
  - Idealist.org
    Reliefweb.int
    DevNet Jobs
    American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative
    UN Audio Video Library of International Law
    American Society of International Law (ASIL)
    Careers in International Law: A Guide to Career Paths in International Law
    ASIL Video Library & YouTube Channel - There are numerous videos, but you may want to start with the following:
    Pursuing Careers in International Law
    Getting Into and Getting Ahead in International Law
    Getting Started in International Law: What I Wish I Had Known From the Start

Also of Interest

Building Skills for Global Practice

Center for International and Comparative Law

Global Opportunities