International commercial law careers
Working internationally is an exciting way to use your law qualifications. Many international firms value Australian graduates, particularly Melbourne Law School graduates.
Generally there are a few pathways to working internationally in the law.
Join an Australian firm with an international practice and transfer to an overseas office
Join an international firm either as a graduate or as a qualified solicitor
Become admitted in the overseas jurisdiction of your choice and work for a local firm there
Join an Australian firm with an international practice and transfer to an overseas office
If you choose this path you will, of course, need to ensure that the firm has overseas operations! You will then have to position yourself to get the opportunity to transfer overseas.
Join an international firm either as a graduate or as a qualified solicitor
Certain international firms, especially Hong Kong and London firms, such as Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith and Linklaters, actively recruit Melbourne Law School graduates. They offer graduate training programs tailored to Australians whereby you would generally gain dual admission.
If you are interested in an international training program it would be advisable to attend the seminars and fairs presented by the international firms during first semester. These are advertised in the Careers e-Bulletin, which is sent to all students via email on Monday mornings during semester, and on the Careers Events page of this website.
Presentations by firms that have recently visited Melbourne Law School:
Freshfields
Linklaters
Become admitted in the overseas jurisdiction of your choice and work for a local firm there
Every jurisdiction has different criteria for admission. You will need to check the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. Information for some countries is available in the Admission to Practise section of this website.
Faculty Advisor on International Careers
Associate Professor Cally Jordan is the Melbourne Law School’s Faculty Advisor on International Careers. She will organise one or two events each year that offer further information and advice.
She is also available for individual consultations.
You can e-mail to request an appointment on c.jordan@unimelb.edu.au.
Recent Events
Career Pathways: Demystifying the pathways into International Organisations
Thursday, 6/08/09
Associate Professor Cally Jordan, Faculty Advisor for International Careers, presented aseminar on how to position yourself for a career in international organisations.
You can access a lectopia recording of the seminar here.
Further information on working overseas as a lawyer
ALSA (Australian Law Student Association) International Careers Guide 2009
International job market information
Careers Office Employment board