Firms with most international opportunity? Forum

[bruinlaw0]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

"International" or "cross-border" work in biglaw, particularly in corporate groups, sounds cool in theory but is a red flag QoL-wise. Practically, cross-border work means that you're working with clients and possibly counsel in different time zones. So you're much more likely to have 10 PM or 7 AM calls, or have important documents come in (and be reviewed/turned) on Asia time, or whatever. And it's pretty much the same corporate work you're doing for your NY clients anyway. My worst deal ever in terms of sleep/misery was a European deal where the senior associate running it and the clients/banking teams were in London. Also, if you're in a corporate practice, it is also unlikely that you'll be doing any travel to these clients - to the extent that travel is needed, it'll be the partner or people who are more senior on the deal team doing it, not you. My understanding is that litigation involves more travel, and typically members of lit teams (particularly on investigations matters) will travel to international clients for various reasons.

If you really want an international experience, my suggestion would be to look at firms where it's easy to transfer to an office abroad or do a rotation in an office abroad. Latham and Cleary have reputations for this - Cleary will even allow you to spend a month in one of its foreign offices, at its expense, as a summer. Freshfields is also headquartered in London, and at least when I interviewed with them, made it very clear that you could request a transfer to London anytime.

[Anonymous User]

I'm not in an international group but my deals often have international components. Like the above poster said, there's nothing particularly glamorous about it. We need to get specialists to review for trade/sanctions issues, we engage local counsel if we don't have an office in the locale. Time zones eff you up. Otherwise, it's just a deal.

[Anonymous User]

Pretty much everything the previous posters have said is correct. The worst deals I ever did were ones with Asian clients because you had to have late night calls. Europe is only slightly better. I had a couple friends in lit who ended up going to Europe for several weeks for discovery and diligence of white collar investigations, but generally harder to get int'l opportunities when you are in lit. If you want to work international, recommend going to a firm in London. Although time zones could still suck if you end up doing a lot of U.S. work. Asian offices based on reputation have even worse hours than U.S.

With all that said, I am now in-house and half my work is international. It is much better cause except for the occasional emergency, everyone still works on their own time zone. And having done international deals in the past did help me land my gig

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

IDS major?

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

Pretty classic investigations and FCPA practice. We do internal investigations for global clients who suspect that significant and damaging wrongdoing--often criminal but not always--has taken place at their organization. Some of our investigations are independent of the client, and we share our findings with an external body, including the media. Others are internal, and we present findings only to the organization/client confidentially. A big portion of our practice involves allegations of bribery and corruption in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We handle many of these matters through resolution, including trial. For the FCPA stuff, nobody goes to trial, but we negotiate with the gov't if necessary, and also have some monitorships for clients who have settled their inquiries. There are like 5 or so firms that do this in DC at a high level.

[Wild Card]

you won't be able to do any exciting stuff as a biglaw corporate associate

if you just want to travel and live abroad, you can't control that

if a firm is mismanaged, opportunities may arise to work overseas

for instance, two weeks before my class started, my firm asked whether anyone was interested in doing capital markets in london

no one could have predicted this opportunity would arise

there was also an opportunity to practice capital markets in shanghai that was presented to fluent speakers of mandarin only

again, nobody could have predicted

[UnfrozenCaveman]

International arbitration seems like something you should look in to.

[Anonymous User]

you won't be able to do any exciting stuff as a biglaw corporate associate

if you just want to travel and live abroad, you can't control that

if a firm is mismanaged, opportunities may arise to work overseas

for instance, two weeks before my class started, my firm asked whether anyone was interested in doing capital markets in london

no one could have predicted this opportunity would arise

there was also an opportunity to practice capital markets in shanghai that was presented to fluent speakers of mandarin only

again, nobody could have predicted

This is incorrect. I’m a US-qualified attorney working at one of the top US firms in London. I work with clients in the US, Europe and Asia and have had the opportunity to travel across Europe for firm matters.

There is demand for English speaking US qualified capital markets attorneys in all the major financial centers around the world (London, Dubai, Singapore, etc.)

[bigboybob]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

Pretty classic investigations and FCPA practice. We do internal investigations for global clients who suspect that significant and damaging wrongdoing--often criminal but not always--has taken place at their organization. Some of our investigations are independent of the client, and we share our findings with an external body, including the media. Others are internal, and we present findings only to the organization/client confidentially. A big portion of our practice involves allegations of bribery and corruption in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We handle many of these matters through resolution, including trial. For the FCPA stuff, nobody goes to trial, but we negotiate with the gov't if necessary, and also have some monitorships for clients who have settled their inquiries. There are like 5 or so firms that do this in DC at a high level.

Would you mind PM'ing me the firms or any advice? looking to transition to this area actually

[Moneytrees]

I'll echo the general sentiment that cross-border work may at first glance appear sexy or glamorous, but in practice is a nightmare. Avoid if possible, if you a pure transactional associate.

[Anonymous User]

Also note that international arbitration is really hard to get into. I'm at a firm with a respected IA practice and their qualifications are way more more impressive than the rest of the firm. Possibly comparable to appellate groups.

[Anonymous User]

Also note that international arbitration is really hard to get into. I'm at a firm with a respected IA practice and their qualifications are way more more impressive than the rest of the firm. Possibly comparable to appellate groups.

Wilmer or Cleary? Since GBS split from Shearman can't really think of many other major U.S. big law firms that still had a substantial IA practice.

[Anonymous User]

Debevoise? White & Case?

[law69hehehe]

Also note that international arbitration is really hard to get into. I'm at a firm with a respected IA practice and their qualifications are way more more impressive than the rest of the firm. Possibly comparable to appellate groups.

Wilmer or Cleary? Since GBS split from Shearman can't really think of many other major U.S. big law firms that still had a substantial IA practice.

Debevoise? White & Case?

[transferquestiontls]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

Pretty classic investigations and FCPA practice. We do internal investigations for global clients who suspect that significant and damaging wrongdoing--often criminal but not always--has taken place at their organization. Some of our investigations are independent of the client, and we share our findings with an external body, including the media. Others are internal, and we present findings only to the organization/client confidentially. A big portion of our practice involves allegations of bribery and corruption in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We handle many of these matters through resolution, including trial. For the FCPA stuff, nobody goes to trial, but we negotiate with the gov't if necessary, and also have some monitorships for clients who have settled their inquiries. There are like 5 or so firms that do this in DC at a high level.

Would you mind PM'ing me the firms or any advice? looking to transition to this area actually

Could you please PM me as well?

[Anonymous User]

Also note that international arbitration is really hard to get into. I'm at a firm with a respected IA practice and their qualifications are way more more impressive than the rest of the firm. Possibly comparable to appellate groups.

Wilmer or Cleary? Since GBS split from Shearman can't really think of many other major U.S. big law firms that still had a substantial IA practice.

Debevoise? White & Case?

K&S actually. And it's entirely possible that it doesn't qualify as "substantial" in your books but I know they exist.

[Anonymous User]

Also note that international arbitration is really hard to get into. I'm at a firm with a respected IA practice and their qualifications are way more more impressive than the rest of the firm. Possibly comparable to appellate groups.

Wilmer or Cleary? Since GBS split from Shearman can't really think of many other major U.S. big law firms that still had a substantial IA practice.

Skadden has a dedicated (and in my view, substantial) international arbitration practice.

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

Pretty classic investigations and FCPA practice. We do internal investigations for global clients who suspect that significant and damaging wrongdoing--often criminal but not always--has taken place at their organization. Some of our investigations are independent of the client, and we share our findings with an external body, including the media. Others are internal, and we present findings only to the organization/client confidentially. A big portion of our practice involves allegations of bribery and corruption in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We handle many of these matters through resolution, including trial. For the FCPA stuff, nobody goes to trial, but we negotiate with the gov't if necessary, and also have some monitorships for clients who have settled their inquiries. There are like 5 or so firms that do this in DC at a high level.

Would it be possible for a corporate associate to lateral into this practice? Would a clerkship be necessary?

[Anonymous User]

Hi, 0L here.

Might be a naive question, but I was wondering what firms have the most international exposure, or afford the most opportunity to work on international business matters?

I have long been a student of geopolitics, and I enjoy following developments like the economic rise of Asia and the relative decline of the West. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than being in a position to observe and participate in these developments, even if in a minor way. I love learning about the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, the Korean chaebols, India's economic activity, etc.

For this reason, I sort of envy MBB consultants. It is my understanding that they don't travel abroad, but one of the most frequent examples I encounter of the kind of work they do is helping F500 companies price correctly for the Chinese market. This type of work sounds deeply fulfilling to me. Even if it were to take place in a domestic office, I would love the opportunity to have an impact on global markets. I've even thought about gunning for MBB work during law school. (Please ignore my username, UCLA is my undergrad institution).

My question is, are there any firms or practice groups in corporate BL that can match this feeling of global exposure? Whether it be working for intl. clients, working for a domestic client on intl. matters, or traveling to satellite/international offices?

I've heard Latham and Cleary described as "international" but I don't know what this description really entails, or if it will make a material difference in my ability to work on international matters myself.

Thank you!

I shared some of those thoughts and work in investigations in DC, specifically around the FCPA. I get to travel quite a bit to exotic locations--sometimes for weeks and months at a time. Some global regulatory practices, like banking, include a lot of trips to Europe as well. I think that's your best bet for what you want to do. Corporate associates rarely travel at all; most lit associates don't travel much until they get to go to depos, trials, etc -- which are all domestic. International arbitration is another area which, obviously, includes a lot of travel. Some trade groups have significant travel if they do int'l remedies.

Can you elaborate on your current practice area? Looking for a similar experience.

Pretty classic investigations and FCPA practice. We do internal investigations for global clients who suspect that significant and damaging wrongdoing--often criminal but not always--has taken place at their organization. Some of our investigations are independent of the client, and we share our findings with an external body, including the media. Others are internal, and we present findings only to the organization/client confidentially. A big portion of our practice involves allegations of bribery and corruption in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We handle many of these matters through resolution, including trial. For the FCPA stuff, nobody goes to trial, but we negotiate with the gov't if necessary, and also have some monitorships for clients who have settled their inquiries. There are like 5 or so firms that do this in DC at a high level.

Do the NY/SF offices of major DC firms investigations firms (I'm specifically thinking Covington, Wilmer, and Gibson) also do this type of work? Anyone else in NY or the Bay?

[menudorojo]

How hard is it for an American JD to do international arbitration in the UK straight out of law school?

[Anonymous User]

How hard is it for an American JD to do international arbitration in the UK straight out of law school?

It’s highly unlikely. The vast, vast majority (99%) of the UK positions for US-qualified attorneys at biglaw firms are for capital markets attorneys. The remaining 1% of positions are for investigations work.

[Anonymous User]

Never heard of someone doing it straight out. I knew of one lawyer who did this by moving to the firms London office as a fourth year (or something like that) but also think she had to switch to the UK pay scale as a condition.)