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There are several different types of degrees available that might be considered international law degrees. Typically, these sorts of degrees allow a lawyer to practice across country borders, and with multinational and international clients and entities. In order to help clear up some of the differences between them, below are descriptions of several relevant degrees. Each should be considered by a foreign practitioner looking to expand his or her practice internationally, especially through interaction with U.S.-based clients.

An LLM (Master of Laws) in International Law is a degree generally pursued by those who have already obtained a primary legal degree in their home country, and who want to increase their legal knowledge in the specific area of international law. Different programs may have different focuses, or students may be allowed to select courses of their choosing. For example, a student interested in international business might take classes on topics such as international IP, taxation, and mergers and acquisitions. A student interested in human rights work would focus instead on international criminal issues, laws regarding refugees and similar topics.

What type of attorney is this degree most useful to? This degree is most useful to attorneys whose practice will primarily involve cross-border issues or international clientele. This is especially true if his or her area of specialization is inherently international (e.g. import/export).

To some practitioners, an “international law degree” is a degree that enables them to increase their involvement with legal affairs outside of their home country, such as international transactions between entities in their home country and entities abroad. For those who are specifically interested in the United States, a one-year LLM in U.S. Law program (like @WashULaw ) is a good choice to consider. Students learn the basics regarding the structure of the U.S. legal system, core topics such as contract law and corporate law and also critical skills like how to perform legal research and common legal writing techniques.

What type of attorney is this degree most useful to? This degree is best for attorneys who wish to represent foreign clients with respect to matters involving activity in the United States or with respect to interactions with U.S.-based parties. International business advisors often find this degree to be the option most well suited to their goals.

A J.D. (Juris Doctor) is a three-year degree that U.S. natives traditionally pursue prior to becoming attorneys. The program is lengthy and costly, but provides students with an extensive base of knowledge and skills that enable them to enter the practice of law. Having a J.D. generally entitles a graduate to sit for the bar exam in any U.S. state and become a licensed attorney. For foreign practitioners that want to continue practicing law in their home country, an LLM is typically the more practical and convenient option. For those who wish to pursue more intensive activities with respect to U.S. law, however, and who are targeting a state jurisdiction that doesn’t accept an LLM for licensing purposes, this may be the better option.

What type of attorney is this degree most useful to? Though perhaps not strictly considered an international law degree, this degree is most helpful for attorneys that seek to primarily practice in the U.S. or take a lead role in representing U.S.-based clients or foreign clients with heavy U.S. involvement. For international litigators that want to be able to make appearances and represent clients in U.S. courts, for example, a J.D. may be necessary.

Decades ago, this was the main law degree offered by law schools in many common law countries such as the United States. Many law schools have since switched to alternative degrees (U.S.law schools now offer the J.D. degree), but in other countries such as South Africa, it is still offered. Thus, an LL.B. may be the appropriate degree to enable a foreign practitioner to become qualified to sit for the bar in another country. In addition, if your jurisdiction confers LL.B.s, some locations abroad may accept your credential if you’re seeking to expand your practice internationally. It is also a prerequisite (in lieu of a JD) for most LLM programs.

What type of attorney is this degree most useful to? Much like J.D.s offered in the United States, this degree is best for an attorney who would like to become heavily involved in the practice of law with respect to a particular foreign country that recognizes the primacy of this degree.

Considering the variety of degrees available, students and legal professionals must carefully consider their own career goals and available resources before selecting an international law degree to pursue.  Those who earn the above credentials, however, will find their practice options, expertise, and potential client base greatly expanded as a result.