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<p>I think this is a good point too. Lots of 0Ls seem to be very interested in “international law,” but what exactly is international law? What specific tasks does an international lawyer actually do? </p>
<p>When I worked in BIGLAW, I was involved in a decent number of international litigations. For one thing, international business travel is not very glamorous when you actually do it. It’s not like a vacation where you have a lot of time to explore and experience the place you are visiting. Instead, you spend most of your time working. And eating expensive but unhealthy foods. And staying in an expensive hotel room which is nowhere near as comfortable as your own room at home.</p>
<p>You also do the same legal research as with domestic cases except that there are some international issues. When you get into it, researching the Hague Convention on Service of Process is not particularly more stimulating than any other legal research.</p>
<p>You have to deal with the same annoying bosses and co-workers. In short, the only real positive about “international law” is that you get to impress people a bit by mentioning in conversation that you just got back from London. Or Toronto. Or Dubai. </p>
<p>Even so, lots of young law students are very interested in doing “international law.” Which is another part of the reason I am very skeptical that you can enhance your career prospects by doing this sort of joint degree program. Usually job prospects are significantly worse in areas which are considered sexy. </p>
<p>Actually, when I hung my shingle a few years back, I looked at a lot of possible areas of practice one or two of which involved international organizations or tribunals. My plan was pretty simple: To start by doing pro bono work, use that as a way to get experience, and then use my experience to make money. What I quickly discovered was that it was difficult or impossible to break into these areas. I gather that there are just too many people who want to do “international law” competing for the work. And the people who do it jealously guard their turf.</p>