International Legal Placements: Opportunities and Challenges

International Legal Placements: Opportunities and Challenges In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial that lawyers understand the threats and opportunities facing our country and their role in supporting their firm, company or individual interests to thrive.

A knowledge of international law is essential for any legal practitioner with even a passing interest in global financial or commercial markets, particularly as the rise of the internet has simplified the process of borrowing, investing and trading globally, rather than being restricted to doing so within the country of origin.

In-house counsels for companies with an international footprint are expected to understand and contribute meaningfully in such discussions, but even lawyers that specialise in family law and other traditionally less "global" sectors should consider the means that are available to develop and hone their international knowledge in order to derive significant benefit.

Benefits of international legal placements

International legal placements give lawyers the opportunity to trial different methods of achieving a successful outcome. They get to learn from established experts whose methods may differ from those with which they are familiar, and they can experience different ethical questions and legal systems that can broaden their experience and expand their horizons.

Lawyers who work abroad can develop highly valuable insights into the global legal system and the way in which it influences national and international policies.

Professional etiquette varies from country to country and it is useful for lawyers wishing to achieve senior and partner positions to experience and understand the way in which overseas practitioners behave and operate and the different expectations of clients abroad in order to hone their interpersonal skills, standing them in good stead for pursuing their long-term career aspirations.

As legal budgets continue to be constricted, specialist knowledge and the ability to respond flexibly to client needs and demands will continue to be sought after, so lawyers with international experience will be well placed to react to these ever-evolving needs and constraints.

Challenges of international legal placements

The world is facing many international challenges, including energy security, the threat of terror attacks and the need to comply with NATO regulations whilst negotiating new commercial contracts in the wake of Brexit.?

Data privacy concerns continue to escalate, and yet we still face age-old issues such as maritime piracy. Almost all human activity is regulated by treaties and those that neglect to pursue international interests will be disadvantaged by this knowledge shortfall.?

The greatest challenges associated with international placements, however, tend to relate to the ability of UK lawyers to embed themselves into the culture of the country in which they are working. Expectations are often very different abroad, and many overseas clients become infuriated by lawyers who refuse to cross the fine line that separates legal and commercial transactions.

There is a real need for lawyers to develop self-awareness when working abroad, understanding not only their role and the boundaries thereof but also the diverse needs of their clients and the behavioural and professional expectations of their employer.

In conclusion, the advantages of working overseas greatly outnumber the challenges, and UK legal professionals stand to benefit from enhancing their international knowledge and experience. Not only is international legal experience useful in securing the next step on your career path, but it can enhance your own self-awareness and help you to develop the valuable interpersonal skills that will smooth your progression to partner.

For tailored advice and guidance about securing an international legal placement, training opportunities with global firms or for help in finding your next legal role, please contact Interlink Talent Solutions today: [email protected]

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