Many law students and early-career solicitors see a career beyond borders as the next big step. But becoming an international lawyer involves more than just an interest in global affairs. It takes the right qualifications, a commitment to continuous learning, and strong practical skills that apply across jurisdictions.
Let’s break down what it takes to succeed from a UK standpoint—clearly, simply, and professionally.
Get Qualified the Right Way
Before you can practise international law, you need to become a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the current route to becoming a solicitor. It involves two stages—SQE1 and SQE2—alongside two years of relevant work experience. This is known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and it can be done in the UK or overseas as long as it meets the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s requirements.
Those who wish to go down the barrister route will need to complete the bar training course and pupillage and be called to the bar by one of the inns of court.
If you’re already qualified in another country, don’t worry. There are paths to requalify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or by registering as a foreign lawyer, which allows you to practise limited legal services in England and Wales.
Focus on a Specialism That Matters Globally
To be an excellent international lawyer, it helps to specialise in areas with a global reach. Common areas include public international law, trade and investment law, human rights, and international arbitration.
A postgraduate course, like an LLM in International Law, is one way to deepen your understanding. It also gives you exposure to legal systems outside the UK. Courses from institutions like the University of Edinburgh or King’s College London offer modules tailored to global legal challenges.
Having a focused area of interest also makes it easier to stand out when applying for cross-border legal work roles.
Build Practical Experience Early On
It’s one thing to understand theory—but working on real cases involving cross-border legal work will give you a better feel for what the role demands. Internships or placements with international law firms, NGOs, or organisations like the UN or WTO can give you hands-on experience.
Some UK firms even offer secondments to their overseas offices. These placements are especially useful as they expose you to different legal systems and client expectations in a professional setting.
Volunteering is also a good option. Supporting pro bono work, especially with international human rights or environmental law organizations, helps you build both confidence and credibility.
Master the Skills That Set You Apart
To thrive in this field, you’ll need more than legal knowledge. Strong communication is essential, especially when working with clients or partners from other countries. Being fluent in another language can open doors and allow you to engage more effectively.
A good international lawyer also knows how to interpret treaties, keep up with legal developments, and manage differences in legal cultures. Staying up to date with resources like Legislation.gov.uk or subscribing to updates from the Law Society helps with this.
Soft skills matter, too. Being clear, respectful, and adaptable during negotiations or dispute resolution goes a long way when doing cross-border legal work.
Keep Your Network Strong
Relationships are key in international law. Building a network of contacts in the UK and overseas can help you learn from others, find new opportunities, and stay ahead of trends.
Joining professional groups like the International Bar Association or attending global conferences can help expand your reach. Your university’s alumni network is another great way to connect with lawyers working across the globe.
Final Thoughts
To become a respected international lawyer from the UK, one must first focus on qualifying properly through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Then, look for opportunities to gain practical experience, specialise in areas with global relevance, and build a strong international network. Staying committed to professional growth and ethical standards will keep you on the right path. The more you engage with real cross-border legal work, the more confident and capable you’ll become.
