International law is a group of laws that have been combined with rules and principals, which govern the relations between the nations. These are based on specific legislation regarding customs and treaties. They are designed to control the rights and responsibilities of sovereign nations in how they relate to each other. When it comes to international courts, the highest court of authority is the International Court of Justice. The administrative authority of the United Nations lies within this court.
It is possible to find law jobs within this sector, but some experience in international law will probably be mandatory If an experienced lawyer is looking for a change from dealing with the basic laws of his/her own country, he/she can seek out law job opportunities in the field of international law. To find law jobs in this area you only need to take the time to check out employment listings. Law graduates would most certainly have to start at the entry levels and they can seek these jobs through law job searches with respect to international law firms.
The United Nations is governed by international law that is upheld in the International Court of Justice. Any lawyer specializing in international law will have to be familiar with this court and its authority. This court has two major responsibilities: first, to obtain settlements of the disputes that are brought before it by the states, and second, to give advice or legal opinions when legal questions arise from recognized international entities and agencies. The international law has been functioning in some fashion since the Peace Palace in 1922. Since that time there has always been the need for international lawyers. The International Court of Justices has been holding its seat since 1946 at the Peace Palace in the Netherlands, actually in the Hague. At that time it replaced the Permanent Court of International Justice.
In June of 1945 in San Francisco, when the United Nations Conference concluded, the Charter of the United Nations was signed. This once again set the groundwork for the need of international lawyers, opening doors for legal jobs in various sectors within this field.
Mostly everyone is aware of the United Nations and what it stands for. Since its creation in 1945, it has become one of the most influential organizations to exist in the world. It is the job of the UN to maintain peace and keep the major nations in accord with one another. It is the sole entity responsible for solving international problems.
It's easy to see why a law job in international law has such a demanding structure to it. Also the salary for law jobs in this field can be quite lucrative.
If an individual does regular business in another country, it would be a wise move on his/her part to know how to retain the services of an excellent international law attorney. These lawyers often base their entire law careers on this type of law. This makes them experts in their field, which is exactly what you are going to need if you run into legal issues with other countries. It must be remembered that each country has a unique set of laws that must be adhered to. So, if you have a legal proceeding, taking place in a specific country, then you need an attorney who understands the laws of that country. These specialized lawyers are extremely valuable when it comes to litigation and arbitration laws in courts around the world.
It's easy to see why this field would require the services of various other individuals who want law careers but do not necessarily want an attorney job. There are many jobs in this area of law that demand the services of legal secretaries; there are almost always jobs posted for some law firm in need of them.
There are many opportunities in the field of law, not just in the realm of international law, but all types of law. Most often the law recruiters target individuals for the law division that has the greatest need at the time. Getting an employment in the legal field is great because there are so many different areas one can specialize in.
It would be to the advantage of any law secretary who wants to become involved in international law to get familiar with the laws pertaining to the relevant area. Also, an attorney in international law would want a secretary who is familiar with the terminology he/she would be using. The same would apply for law clerks or anyone else seeking employment in international law. International law can be one of the most intriguing aspects of law if an individual enjoys learning and continually staying current with changes within the laws. There is no doubt the need for attorneys practicing international law will continue to grow as more and more nations become involved.
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International Human Rights Law Group
International Business Law
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published January 20, 2009
By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search 
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration law
- Workers’ compensation
- Insurance defense
- Family law
- Trusts & estates
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched—see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.
? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Alternative Summary
Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.
More about Harrison
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