Studies & Degrees in International & Comparative Private Law

Choose where you would like to study International & Comparative Private Law:

The discipline of International and Comparative Private Law has been becoming more popular in the recent years, with the increasing globalization and regional integration between countries. Such a course is aimed at lawyers who wish to work in internationally operating corporations and law firms. What comparative law refers to is the study of the differences and similarities between the law of different countries, which means that the various legal systems around the world are also thoroughly explored (i.e. the common law, the civil law, socialist law, Islamic law, Hindu law, and Chinese law). Foreign legal systems are described and analyzed, even if no comparison is undertaken.

Furthermore, comparative law consists of a number of branches, which include constitutional law, comparative administrative law, comparative civil law, commercial law, and criminal law. Within each of these areas, international comparative lawyers have to make detailed comparisons between countries, or broad-ranging studies of several countries. Consequently, comparative law follows the aim to not only gain a deeper understanding of the legal systems around the world, but also contribute to their unification.

Finally, an example of a casus to be solved from this field of study is when a French company buys goods from a German one, but the delivery is not complete, and some products are not as ordered. International Comparative and Private Law deals with who is responsible, as well as the court of which country will be allowed to rule over this dispute.

Personal Qualities

The qualities required to deal with international law definitely relate to the desire to learn about different countries, make comparisons, and solve problems. Here are other skills to consider:

• Excellent communication skills
• Aptitude for learning foreign languages
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Very good memory
• Sharp thought and persuasiveness
• Open-minded and flexible

Study Options

This is a course that is usually offered at a higher level of study – this can suggest a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree. This means that you should have already completed an undergraduate Law degree, and you are looking for a specialization. When choosing this course, you should be looking for a truly international environment, and the opportunity to learn from real life experiences while studying. Some of the most common subjects, relevant to such a course are Comparative Private Law, International Contracts Law, Comparative Private International Law and Cross-border Commercial Transactions. Usually the requirements for entry are very high, and you should be sincerely committed to achieving good academic results while completing your bachelor’s degree.

Career Options

Career opportunities for graduates from the field of International and Comparative Private Law are based around working for organizations with multinational activities and law firms that offer services for such companies.