Career prospects International Law and Global Governance

As an expert in international law and global governance, you can find work in many (non-)governmental organizations. Domestically, you could join a ministry or department in your home country, responsible for foreign policy, international relations, development aid and European integration. Your expertise can also be an addition to ministries and departments that deal with argiculture, fisheries, environment, trade, competition and infrastructure. European law influences all these aspects of national law, which makes you a valuable asset to any of these organizations. 

International organizations at global and regional level offer a huge job market for you. These include organizations with a general scope such as the United Nations as well as specialized organizations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Depending on where you want to live and work, other regional organizations can be of interest to you as well. Every region of the world has international organizations aimed at establishing a range of policies throughout that region through the use of international law. Examples include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union and the Southern African Development Community and the Organization of American States. 

Apart from governmental organizations or agencies, you can also find work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For example, at an organization that works on behalf of businesses or refugees, the environment, or indigenous communities. These organizations also work within European and international law on a daily basis, which makes your expertise invaluable. If your dream is to work as a lawyer for an organization like Greenpeace or Amnesty International, this Master's will equip you with the tools you need!

At the European as well as the international level, there are judicial organizations looking for a lawyer like you. Courts and tribunals like the European Court of Human Rights, the European Court of Justice, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, and the institutions of the World Trade Organization dispute settlement mechanism, are just a few examples of places you can find work. If you are more interested in enforcement, agencies such as EUROPOL, or the European anti-froud office (OLAF) might have interesting opportunities for you. 

Of course, a career at a law firm is also an option for an international law expert. Offices in New York, the Hague, or Brussels, specialized in international law are always looking for experts like you. They represent clients who are involved in lawsuits for one of the international or European courts and tribunals mentioned above. Domestic law is also heavily influenced by international law, such as migration, competition, human rights, trade, etc. If you aspire a career in domestic law, an LLM in international law and global governance will give you an edge.