Ontario-trained lawyer Michelle Oliel, associate legal officer at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, offers advice on getting into human rights law.

Be multilingual

Many jobs require fluency in both English and French, but better still if other official languages of the UN are in your linguistic arsenal (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish). Be honest about your proficiency level. “Knowing how to order a beer in Spanish will definitely not impress a potential employer,” says Oliel.

Get a master’s

Although some employers abroad consider a Canadian law degree equivalent to a master’s, an LL.M. gives you a leg up — particularly if your grad school helps you obtain experience overseas.

Work at home

“My experience on Bay Street was critical to landing my current position at the ICTY,” Oliel says. She recommends gaining at least two years’ worth of practical legal skills in Canada before applying abroad.

Intern

Oliel completed two UN internships for a total of eight months in The Hague, which finally led to a paid job. “If you’re a flexible person ready to work hard and stay positive through all the challenges, an international career is fulfilling and rewarding,” she says.