How to Travel the World as an International Lawyer

For many people, becoming a lawyer means trading freedom for stability: courtrooms, offices, and long hours at a desk. But what if the law could actually be your ticket to the world? The truth is, international law can open doors to a life filled with travel, cross-cultural collaboration and cases that stretch across borders. Whether you dream of living abroad, representing global clients or working remotely while exploring new countries, this path is more possible than ever — if you approach it with the right mindset and strategy [This post was written by our solicitor friend John - thanks, John!]

Travelling the World as an International Lawyer

In this post, I’ll break down the steps to help you build a legal career that doesn’t tie you to one place, but rather gives you the flexibility to see the world.

1. Understanding the Role: What Does an International Lawyer Do?

“International law” sounds glamorous, but it’s a broad umbrella. Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what international lawyers actually do. International lawyers work on legal matters that cross national borders — whether that means helping companies expand abroad, resolving disputes between countries, negotiating trade deals, working in human rights or advising on global contracts. Some roles are rooted in international organisations (like the UN or the WTO), while others are found in private firms, corporations, and NGOs. The key, really, is to find a niche that speaks to both your legal interests and your desire to travel!

2. How to Build an International Legal Career

The journey usually starts with education - but it doesn’t have to end there! Here are a few ways to prepare:

• Study international law: Many universities offer specialised courses or full degrees in international law.
• Learn new languages: Legal work often demands high-level communication and thus speaking a second (or third!) language will dramatically expand your options.
• Seek global internships: Working abroad early in your career builds connections and shows future employers you’re serious about international work.

Another practical step is considering where you’ll be licensed: some lawyers choose to take the bar in multiple countries, while others collaborate with local counsel. Flexibility is part of the job!

3. Choosing the Right Practice Area for Travel

Not every legal field lends itself to a global lifestyle. If you want to travel, here are a few areas to consider:

• International arbitration: Often involves cross-border disputes and allows for remote preparation and global travel for hearings.
• Human rights law & NGOs: This path could take you anywhere, especially if you work with international non-profits or humanitarian missions.
• Multinational corporate law: Advising companies on international deals, mergers, compliance, and tax law.
• Immigration law: Working with clients moving across borders gives you first-hand exposure to global legal systems.

4. Remote Lawyering: Combining Legal Work with Digital Nomad Life

With the shift toward remote work, the idea of being a “digital nomad lawyer” is no longer a fantasy. Some legal roles (e.g. contract drafting, research, legal consulting or compliance) can be done from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. That said, working across jurisdictions has its own complications, for example:

• understanding tax laws in both your “home” and “host” country;
• complying with ethical rules for remote legal work;
• managing time zones and client expectations.

If you can master the logistics, this path offers quite a lot of freedom, doesn't it?

5. Marketing Yourself as a Global Lawyer Online

In a globally connected world, your digital presence is your business card - especially when clients and firms can’t meet you in person. Whether you’re looking for international clients or remote-friendly law firms, the right strategy can set you apart. This is where SEO for lawyers becomes invaluable! Search engine optimisation (SEO) helps your name, firm, or freelance practice appear when potential clients or employers search for legal help online. For international lawyers, it’s especially important to tailor your content:

• use clear, professional language that reflects your practice areas;
• publish blog posts or guides answering common legal questions across borders;
• optimise your site (our Youtube channel) for global audiences, including multilingual support if possible.

Good SEO ensures your expertise is discoverable from anywhere - and that can turn casual website visitors into long-term clients.

6. The Reality of the Lifestyle: Challenges & Rewards

While the freedom to work around the world is exciting, it’s worth being honest: this lifestyle isn’t always as easy as an Instagram feed makes it look. Some challenges might be:

• adapting to new cultures and legal systems on the fly;
• staying motivated without a traditional office structure;
• managing relationships at home while travelling.

On the other hand, some of the rewards are:

• deep personal and professional growth;
• expanding your network across countries;
• the chance to work on cases that truly change lives or global policies.

Like any career, it comes down to what trade-offs you’re willing to make!

Final Thoughts: Is the International Lawyer Life for You?

Becoming an international lawyer isn’t only about the destination — it’s about the kind of life you want to build. If you value flexibility, continuous learning, cultural immersion and the challenge of solving global problems, this path could be a perfect match. Whether you choose to live abroad, consult remotely, or take on international clients from home, the law doesn’t have to limit you to one country!

Ready to start your journey? If you’ve got questions about combining law and travel, drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear your story! (Second photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash)