The average salary for an international lawyer in the US is $140,000, according to salary.com. This is higher than the average salary for the average US citizen at approximately $55,000, according to indeed.com. Therefore, international lawyers make good money compared to the average person. The salary of an international lawyer depends on the type of international law they practice, their location, and their education. In addition, being able to speak multiple languages will help international lawyers make a high income as well.
Table of Contents
What is an International Lawyer?
An international lawyer is an individual who is authorized to practice law on matters that deal with the international scene, according to “An International Lawyer Looks at Comparative Law.” by L.C. Green. These individuals typically have gone to law school and have passed a legal certification test (e.g., the bar exam in the United States).
How Much do International Lawyers Make in the Private Sector vs. Public Sector
The private sector includes working for companies that are in business to make a profit. These companies include law firms with offices in multiple countries and multinational corporations. The public sector typically includes government related jobs (e.g., United Nations (UN), World Trade Center, or Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Since international lawyers work at for-profit companies, the companies can offer higher salaries. This creates a situation where international lawyers working in the private sector will generally make more money than those working in the public sector.
The Location of International Lawyers will Determine the Salary
International attorneys working in the western higher income countries (e.g., the United States and the United Kingdom) will generally make more money than international lawyers in the Global South. The Global South is a term that “refers broadly to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania”, according to “The global south.” by Nour Dados and Raewyn Connell.
Language Skills Can Increase the Salary of a Lawyer
There are more than 6,000 different languages spoken in the world today, according to “Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger of Disappearing. Unesco, 2001.” by Stephen A. Wurm. In addition, business is done between individuals that may not speak the same language. While English may be the unofficial business language, understanding multiple languages can help with business negotiations and dispute resolution.
