Introduction

This guide is intended to help students who are looking for international law internships or careers. It lists useful sources for finding information, and describes ways to find more sources.

Primary kinds of employers are the U.S. government, law firms, and corporations. (Corporations, however, rarely hire new attorneys.) Non-governmental organizations also employ some attorneys, and offer internships, but can rarely afford to pay interns. Despite the lack of pay, internships in fields such as human rights are still very competitive.

Because job-hunting in the field of international law is harder than looking for traditional U.S. law firm jobs, you should be creative and persistent in your search. Some strategies include:

Looking for the websites of organizations that may offer internships.
Using personal connections (professors, alumni, L.L.M. students, foreign J.D. students, etc.)
Contacting foreign law firms

More Information on the Practice of International Law

As a first step, you may want to find out more about practicing international law. The following resources describe what it's like:

Lisa L. Abrams, The Official Guide to Legal Specialties: An Insider's Guide to Every Major Practice Area. LAW KF 297 .A7512x 2000.

American Society of International Law, Careers in International Law: A Guide to Career Paths and Internships in International Law (2007-2008). LAW Reserve K 118.I58 C37.

Careers in International Law (3rd ed., Salli Anne Swartz ed. 2008). LAW Reserve KZ1238.U55 C37 2008.

Other sources:

Other sources that describe practicing international law are listed in this excellent article: Robert Haibin Hu: A Guide to Resources on Careers in Foreign and International Law, 93 Law Libr. J. 479 (2001). You can also search MNCAT under the following subject headings: International law -- Vocational guidance International law -- Vocational guidance -- United States. International law -- Vocational guidance -- United States --Directories Americans--Employment--Foreign countries Employment in Foreign Countries International Relations--Vocational Guidance International Business Enterprises--Vocational Guidance

Looking for Internships & Jobs

A. Books at the Law School:

American Society of International Law, Careers in International Law: A Guide to Career paths and Internships in International Law (2007/2008). Reserve K118.I58 C37.

Stephen K. Park & Susan J. Feathers, Public Service and International Law: A Guide to Professional Opportunities in the United States and Abroad (1998). Law K118.P82 D28 1998.

Also see the MNCAT subject searches in II., above, to help find other books on this topic.

B. Organizations

One way to make connections that may help in your job search is to join organizations dealing with international law. Some of the most useful organizations include:

Each of these organizations offers student membership rates.

C. Other Websites

Human Rights Jobs, http://www.humanrightsjobs.com/ [requires subscription]

Human Rights Resource Center, Field Opportunities in Human Rights, http://www.hrusa.org/field/joblinks.shtm.

Lyonette Louis-Jacques, Researching Careers in International Law: Resources in Print and Electronic Format, (http://www2.lib.uchicago.edu/~llou/careers.html). Although some links no longer work, this comprehensive site lists numerous international and foreign law websites, including other web guides to finding jobs and internships.

UN Office of Human Resources Management, Compendium--Occupational Groups (job openings at the UN) (https://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/Vacancy/Vacancy.aspx).

U.S. Department of State, Recruitment (http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/hr).

U.S. Office of Personnel Management, USAJobs: Job Openings (http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/index.asp). Includes resources for students.

Updated 10/09. Links verified 2/26/08

Table of Contents

Introduction

More Information on the Practice of International Law

Looking for Internships & Jobs