15/11/2024
There was much to learn at the Law Talent Fair 2024.
You finished your degree with flying colours. Then you started at law school and now you’ve spent the last year working relentlessly to become a fully-fledged lawyer. If you’re lucky, you’ll find your dream job.
If you’re looking at international practice, you should know that’s its own kettle of fish. To help you out, we’ve gathered feedback at our latest Law Talent Fair to understand what the top international firms are looking for in a candidate—which means you’ll know how to give the best of yourself in your next interview. Let’s take a look.
Essential qualities for knowing how to be a lawyer at an international law firm
International law is a highly competitive profession. That’s not surprising considering the median salary for an international lawyer in the U.S. totals at around $140.000. The academic requirements to secure the job are equally sky-high. IE Law School candidates stand out because of their grasp on legal practices: “We come looking for IE graduates because of their 360° vision of law. Their training’s really focused on the practical side of things, which means graduates can have a real impact on the job straight away,” said Guillermo Torrubia de Nova of Ashurst.
That said, we found that visiting law firms also sought out our students for qualities outside of academia
“It’s not necessarily that IE students arrive with a better technical knowledge than other graduates,” said Marisol de Bedoya of Dentons. “Most candidates enter at more-or-less the same level. But those from IE Law School have an extra source of motivation. They ask for work, they’re proactive on a daily basis.”
The key to getting the job at your favorite law firm? It has as much to do with who you are as the grades on your CV. That means being ready to open up.
Becoming a lawyer: personality traits for success
Each of us is an accumulation of various personalities, each depending on the room in which we find ourselves. Our advice? Understand which aspect of you best fits the expectations of an international law firm. And, according to our findings, the current trend is a strong mix between technical efficiency and the human touch.
“We’re looking for normal people who know how to listen,” said Diego Martínez-Bordiú of Eversheds Sutherland. “In the end, we’re looking for normal human beings.”
“The perfect profile?” said Guzmán Saéz de Retana of Watson, Farley & Williams. “Honestly, I wouldn’t say it’s the most knowledgeable, top-of-class candidate. It’s actually the person who’s willing to work in a team, who knows how to adapt, who comes to work with an open mind.”
Each of the 32 visiting firms shared this point of view on how to be a lawyer in the 21st century. According to Garrigues, the primary quality for an ideal candidate was “a decent human being”. The phrase “knowing how to work in a team” was said word-for-word by more than half of the international law firms we interviewed.
What kind of lawyer do we train at IE Law School?
At IE Law School, we train lawyers to make their mark on the global stage. Our teaching method is largely practical, ensuring that any student with the IE-brand can undertake every task that’s asked of them with agility and positivity.
This philosophy produces candidates who catch the eye of top law firms in each field.
According to Bird & Bird, “IE Law School is one of the most prestigious schools in Spain, or even the world. We have a lot of graduates from IE Law School. They all work incredibly. They’re all happy to be working with us and they have a particular eye for international practices. The master’s programs at IE Law School are extremely demanding. Their methodology creates highly-trained professionals.”
What are we looking for at IE Law School?
If you’re considering a place on one of our law programs, we’d love to hear from you. But it’s important you take into account our four core values before you apply. These offer an insight into our teaching methodology and the culture we maintain across every school at IE University.
First, we’re looking to build a diverse community to enhance the character of every participating individual. This results in meaningful discussions both inside and outside the classroom. You must leave IE Law School with a broadened perspective. Next, IE Law School centers itself around innovation. Our students learn to use the latest technologies through the guidance of leading professors in their respective sectors. But this all goes hand-in-hand with a focus on the human qualities which underpin all professional interactions.
Finally, you’ll need to demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit which will empower you to withstand the many changes in today’s society.
Why are we so focused on these qualities? Because it’s these qualities that will make you stand out in today’s job market. Our aim is to prepare you for a long and successful career, during which time you’ll meet an array of people from all sorts of background. The ideal candidate for an international law firm? That’s a candidate from IE Law School. And our continued worldwide success is the proof.
