Description

In a changing legal landscape where transactions or litigation cases are increasingly complex, and often cross-border, clients (and therefore employers) expect more from their lawyers; they require practitioners with a flexibility of approach and thinking, and an international mind-set. This episode discusses how international educational experiences can build exciting careers for the lawyers of tomorrow. 

The ReImagine Law team are joined by Eileen Murphy (3rd year student on Queen Mary University of London’s dual qualification degree in England and France), and Chris Jorgenson (Director of Institutional Partnerships at Barbri Global) who is qualified in both the USA and the UK. Together, they discuss themes ranging from the contrasting approaches of different global legal systems to the challenges of studying in different languages – and the range of career paths which international studies can open up. 

Lessons from them include, ‘Think Big’ and make yourself relevant by building a broad skill-set.  And be ambitious to apply for international opportunities even when there might be only a few places available – after all, someone will be successful! 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode. 

• Think about difference: what differences might there be between working in your native country and a different jurisdiction? How can you benefit from this difference?  Find someone in your network who might have this experience, and ask them!
• Research ten different international career options.  It might be helpful to start by looking at the following; Government Legal Services, the United Nations, a global law firm, and the judicial appointments commission.  

Useful resources:

• Here are some tips and tricks from Chris.
• Read about the double degree that Eileen undertakes. 
• Look at recruitment pages to see what types of opportunities exist.