Practise internationally:-

The information on these pages is designed to help you if you are planning to work in another country. The content will never be fully comprehensive but it will give you some suggestions for finding further information.

 

Some ideas to help you reflect on your own internationalism: 

Kent Global Passport:

The Kent Global Passport (KGP) is a free online app which has been designed to help you to highlight your international skills and experience. The aim is to help you make the most of internationally-relevant activity in your daily life. The KGP understands that your international skills and experiences are developed through mixing in our international community. It isn’t always about time spent in other countries – find out more here

How to use your UK LLB in another Country:

It is important that you check with the relevant professional body in the jurisdiction that you wish to practice in to see if the English LLB is recognised as the correct entry qualification for the professional exams in that jurisdiction.  If you are progressing to the LPC or Bar courses you must also check how they are received – in many common law countries you may find that you have to do a short conversion course to become a lawyer in that country.  In non-common law countries the British qualification may not give you exemptions.   It is too early to be able to advise how the SQE will be received internationally.   If you wish to qualify in GB and immediately work in another jurisdiction you MUST seek advice from that country (this doesn’t apply for anyone getting a GB training contract and working for an international firm).

Internships:

In the legal industry in GB we do not tend to use the terminology “internship” but it is common parlance in other parts of the world.   If you have the opportunity to gain work experience in another country you should do it even if it is not the country that you ultimately wish to practice in – all experience is good.   Such internships can be extremely useful and instrumental in developing an international career.  

Resources:

Membership organisations:

There are many organisations, societies and groups that can help you to develop an understanding of international law or legally relevant issues, develop relevant skills and more.  Get involved with something:

  1. University based groups:

There are many student societies which you can join to help develop your understanding of law in an international context or, more generally, to gain a cultural awareness. For example:

  • European Law Students Association ELSA is the world’s largest law student and young lawyer network, spanning 42 countries and consisting of 38,000 members.
  • Kent International Law Society The aim of this society is to “provide information and tools that allow KLS students to explore international law and to participate in mock transnational dispute management events.”
  • Kent Critical Law Society This society frequently examines issues of international legal interest.   
  • Canadian Law Society Their aim is “Aiding all those who are interested in practicing law in Canada upon graduation.”
  • In the past there has been a Nigerian Law Society (why not restart it!?).
  • There are many cultural Societies on campus. See the Kent Union pages to explore the opportunities.

2. Other student led groups / resources

  • The Network for International Law Students “seeks to promote legal awareness among all the people and encourage communication and cooperation among law students and young lawyers internationally; contribute to legal education; promote social responsibility in the field of law; increase opportunities for students to learn about other cultures and legal systems worldwide; and publicize educational and career opportunities in law.”

3. Professional organisations

There is a marvellous list of many organisations on the International Law Institute website 

 

Country Profiles

Both Prospects and Target Jobs have detailed information about working and looking for work in a variety of different countries

Prospects Work Abroad Pages 

Target Jobs Work Abroad Pages 

Europe-specific

  • EURES Job vacancies in Europe
    YOUR EUROPE Help and Advice
    Practical Information, help and advice on EU rights for EU nationals and businesses (i.e. travel, work, shopping, funding opportunities, doing business and procedures).
    EUROPEAN YOUTH PORTAL
    European Youth Portal website providing access to youth related European and national information on travel, volunteering, hostel information & work.
    EUROPEAN ON-LINE Jobs Days
    European Job Days are dynamic recruitment events that bring jobseekers and employers together all delivered on-line – check out the events & participate.
    EUROGRADUATE: European Graduate Careers
    Guide     Useful information on working/careers abroad, Finance, Engineering, Graduate recruitment and language learningGraduate Land     – European-based site useful for internships, placements and graduate jobs, including UK vacancies. Also useful for placements in other EU countries.
  • InterGrad – for placements in the UK and Europe (especially if you speak another European language)