International Civil and Commercial Law (Advanced programme)

International Civil and Commercial Law

Arbeidsmarkt

Career preparation in Advanced LL.M. International Civil and Commercial Law

In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.

A. 'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:

1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of international civil and commercial law, emphasizing the transnational, international, and comparative aspects of law. You will gain expertise in:
1. Navigating complex international legal frameworks, including treaties, regulations, directives, and model laws.
2. Analysing cross-border transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance issues.
3. Addressing international dispute resolution through knowledge of arbitration, mediation, and litigation in global contexts.
4. Developing strategic solutions to challenges in international trade, contract law, and competition law.
Through case studies, moot courts, and legal writing exercises, you will learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing your ability to solve real-world legal issues.

2. Cross-disciplinary skills
These skills are essential for every student and applicable across a wide range of roles, regardless of your field of study. They include research, analytical thinking, project management, solution generation, teamwork, digital literacy, oral and written communication, presentation, social awareness, independent learning, and resilience. Additionally, practical application skills are equally important, such as crafting a compelling CV, writing a solid motivation letter, building a professional LinkedIn profile, engaging in networking conversations, practicing job interviews, and creating and delivering a persuasive pitch.

3. Self-reflection
This involves reflecting on your (academic) career choices, evaluating your personal and professional profile, and assessing your growth and development. It includes gaining deeper insight into your competencies, personality, work values, and motivations. Consider questions such as: What can you achieve with your knowledge and skills in the labour market? Who are you? What are your strengths? What interests you? What suits you? What do you value most? And ultimately, what do you aspire to do?

4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience can be achieved through various avenues, such as practical and community-focused internships, external research projects, and assignments. These opportunities are often integrated into elective courses, minors, graduation projects, or initiatives like business challenges. Each experience is designed to bridge academic learning with real-world application.

5. Labor market orientation
Gaining valuable insights into the labour market, various industries, roles, and career paths through diverse opportunities. These include engaging with guest speakers and alumni, sharing their professional experiences, participating in career events within the program, leveraging the alumni mentor network, conducting informational interviews with industry professionals, and exploring shadowing opportunities or company visits linked to specific courses.

B. Employability/ labour market programme in the Advanced LL.M. International Civil and Commercial Law

1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
The programme prepares you for a successful international legal career by combining academic rigor with practical training:

• Comprehensive legal education: You will gain in-depth knowledge of international civil and commercial law, enhancing your expertise in cross-border transactions, dispute resolution, and international trade regulations.

• Practical application: Moot courts, legal writing assignments, and study trips ensure that you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world legal scenarios.

• Professional development: Regular interactions with practitioners and participation in networking events prepare you for diverse career opportunities in international law firms, multinational companies, international organizations, and academia.

2. Cross-disciplinary skills
Beyond legal expertise, the programme helps students develop transferable skills that are applicable across industries, such as:

Research skills: During the thesis process and related workshops, students develop advanced research skills for analysing complex legal issues. They learn to design and execute in-depth legal research projects, critically evaluate sources, and produce high-quality, evidence-based analyses, preparing them for academic and professional roles in international civil and commercial law

Written and oral communication: Students improve their written communication skills throughout the programme by completing individual and group assignments. In addition, students enhance their oral communication skills by preparing and delivering presentations, Moot Court, participating in discussions, and engaging in simulated negotiations or debates, which mirror real-world professional scenarios.

Teamwork and project management: The programme emphasizes collaboration through group assignments, where students work together to solve complex legal challenges. Students also develop project management skills by coordinating tasks, setting goals, and managing timelines within team-based projects. These experiences prepare graduates to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, a critical requirement in the dynamic fields of international civil and commercial law.

Social awareness: The courses encourage critical thinking about law and society.

3. Self-reflection
Self-reflection is integral to the programme, encouraging students to evaluate their personal and professional development, strengths, and career aspirations. Activities such as career workshops, discussions with alumni, and individualized feedback sessions help students refine their professional identity and prepare for the evolving demands of the job market.

4. Practical experience
The programme offers numerous opportunities to gain practical experience. As part of the courses, students engage with practice-oriented assignments, such as drafting cross-border contracts, analysing international dispute resolution strategies, and advising on complex commercial transactions. Many students also opt to intern at international law firms, multinational corporations, or arbitration institutions, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

5. Labour market orientation
Throughout the programme, students interact regularly with professionals and organizations in the international civil and commercial law sector. Guest lectures, networking events, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field provide valuable insights into the profession.

C. Where do graduates of the Advanced LL.M. in International Civil and Commercial Law work?

Our graduates go on to work at organizations such as:

• Private law firms specializing in civil and commercial law, including global firms with international legal practices.

• Multinational companies, often in-house legal teams, where they provide advice on cross-border transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance.

• International courts and arbitration tribunals, where many graduates find positions in dispute resolution, including the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

• Governmental organizations, including ministries and regulatory bodies, focusing on international trade, corporate law, and the enforcement of cross-border regulations.

• Research institutes and academic institutions, where many alumni engage in legal scholarship and contribute to the development of civil and commercial law theories.

Many of our graduates also contribute to legal scholarship in international civil and commercial law by pursuing postgraduate or PhD research.

D. Career preparation and professional development

The ICCL programme is specifically designed to prepare you for a successful legal career by offering practical experience and professional training throughout the course. This includes:

• Site visits: Regular visits to key international institutions and prominent law firms. These visits provide you with invaluable insights into the functioning of civil and commercial law in an international context and give you the chance to meet key decision-makers in the field.

• Moot Court and legal writing: Throughout the programme, you will participate in moot courts that simulate real-life legal cases, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy. This practical experience will enhance your abilities to represent clients and argue cases in court.

• Study trip: An exclusive study trip to international legal institutions. This trip allows you to see civil and commercial law in action in an EU context, making it an invaluable part of your education.

• Guest lectures and professional interaction: Our faculty includes highly regarded legal professionals who bring experience of law in action into the classroom. Guest lecturers from law firms, international organizations, and government agencies provide additional expertise, offering you the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and issues from practitioners.

Building your international network:
The ICCL programme emphasizes the importance of building a strong professional network to support your future career through classroom interactions, .collaborating with classmates who come from diverse legal backgrounds and have varied professional experiences.

Expectations:
It’s important to note that securing employment in the Netherlands, particularly for non-EU students, can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the job market and the legal requirements for work permits. While the ICCL programme provides excellent preparation for work in an international context, it is crucial for students to understand the challenges of finding a job in the Netherlands as a non-EU graduate. Our Career Services team offers tailored advice and resources to help non-EU students navigate this process and maximize their opportunities, including tips on finding positions within multinational companies that have a presence in the Netherlands or positions that do not require work permits.

E. More information: Career Service, LU Career Zone, and career workshops calendar

i. Faculty Career Service
The Career Service of your faculty offers information and advice about study (re)orientation and master’s choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market, and job applications.

ii. Leiden University Career Zone
The Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) careers. You will find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the field of (study) career planning, career opportunities with your education, labour market orientation, applying for jobs, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events, and Career Services.

iii. Workshops and events
On the course calendar, you will find an overview of career and application workshops organized by Career Services.