Practicing International Law

Separating the myth of globetrotting diplomats from the reality of cross-border transactions.

The perception of "International Law" among prospective law students often involves human rights tribunals in The Hague. The reality is overwhelmingly corporate: cross-border M&A, project finance, and international arbitration.

The Mechanics of Cross-Border Practice

Attorneys in this field rarely "practice international law"; they practice New York or English law applied to international transactions. Fluency in a critical language (Mandarin, Spanish) and admission to the NY or UK bar are the primary gatekeepers.