Working in the legal profession abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in the legal profession abroad like?

• Working as a lawyer/in the legal profession abroad rarely means immediately presenting oral arguments in a black robe against a backdrop of marble columns, as in American TV series. In practice, it may be less exuberant, but certainly no less important.
• You often work as a paralegal, legal officer, policy advisor, or compliance specialist at international law firms, NGOs, international organizations, multinationals, or government agencies.
• The work is often highly varied in an international and multilingual context.
• Responsibilities: You may be involved in, among other things,
  • analyzing national and international laws and regulations;
  • legal research and writing memos and advisory opinions;
  • supporting legal cases, arbitration, or mediation;
  • contract analysis and compliance issues;
  • working on policy, reports, or legislative processes;
  • liaising with clients, government agencies, and international partners.
• Many positions are more office-based, less court-based, but with complex cases and significant consequences.
• Working conditions: Contracts are often temporary or project-based, especially at international organizations. Working weeks can be long, especially when facing deadlines or political pressure.
• Salaries also vary widely: commercial (offices, multinationals) usually pay well, while non-profit or public international law makes you rich in content and is somewhat more financially austere.

What are the reasons for working in the legal profession abroad?

• To learn to analyse: you learn to view legal issues from the perspective of multiple legal systems, cultures, and interests simultaneously.
• To act with integrity: working with international cases increases your awareness of ethics, responsibility, and due care.
• To experience results-oriented work: you quickly realize how legal advice has a direct impact on policy, people, or organizations.
• To develop self-confidence: operating in a different language and legal context forces you to be more confident in your expertise.
• To develop a bird's-eye view: international cases show you the connections between law, politics, economics, and culture.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in the legal profession abroad?

• Communication: you must be able to convey legal information clearly to people from different backgrounds.
• Working independently: many roles require you to conduct your own research and draw conclusions without intensive supervision.
• Resilience under pressure: deadlines, complex cases, and high expectations are often part of the job.
• Working diligently: errors in legal documents can have major consequences, including internationally.
• Networking: contacts are crucial for collaboration, information exchange, and career advancement.

What are the best countries and locations to work in the legal profession abroad?

• International legal hubs: Switzerland, Belgium, France, the United States, the Netherlands.
• Countries with many international projects or NGOs: Kenya, India, South Africa, Nepal, the Philippines.
• Commercial and corporate contexts: Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Germany.

What are the risks of working in the legal profession abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in the legal profession abroad?
  • Medical care abroad is often expensive and entirely private, especially in countries with international legal hubs. Stress and mental strain are often underestimated due to high workloads, complex cases, and cultural differences.
  • Work often takes place in politically or legally sensitive contexts, which can create additional mental pressure or safety risks.
  • Repatriation or medical evacuation is often necessary, for example, in the event of illness or accident during work trips or field missions.
• Are you insured while working in the legal profession abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.