Why Now is the Time to Study for an LLM in International Dispute Resolution

International dispute resolution is becoming more prevalent worldwide

Speedy globalisation processes have resulted in more and more businesses and organisations expanding their activities beyond national borders. With Governments also partaking in an increased amount of bilateral and multilateral trade talks to enhance global cooperation and trade development, the possibilities for international business expansion will only increase further.

International business flows are good for individual countries, as connection to the global trade network significantly increases national gross domestic product, but also for lawyers seeking to practice in the international arena.

More cross-border transactions and financial ties means that the demand for good international lawyers is on the rise, making now a great time to pursue an LLM in an area of international law such as dispute resolution. Keep reading to find out more about the rising demand for international dispute resolution and how a specialised LLM degree can help you enter this market.

More International Transactions Equate to a Greater Risk of International Disputes

With rising transnational business flows and other such connections comes greater risk for international disputes, be it due to a lingual or cultural misunderstanding, a logistical issue, or for some other reason. Once outside the confines of national borders, resolving a possible dispute can become trickier as legal jurisdiction expands and the resolution process takes on a multi-cultural dimension.

Dispute resolution, therefore, is an area of law that has become a subject of internationalisation. At the same time, and partially due to the greater complexity of international matters, dispute resolution is gradually shifting from courtrooms into the hands of individuals.

Litigation is Being Gradually Phased Out in Favour of Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

There are a number of reasons why companies and institutions are turning more and more away from litigation towards alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration. Firstly, court litigation can be time-consuming, which is not good for businesses where time means money.

Not only do alternative methods tend to be quicker, they also usually cost less in absolute terms. As a result, the more expedient a dispute resolution process is, the better for all parties involved in the dispute.

Furthermore, litigation can bring unwanted publicity which keeping a dispute outside of a courtroom can avoid. Courtrooms also tend to create more of an adversarial environment where the designation of a winner and loser can negatively impact business relationships going into the future. Reaching a resolution through amicable means is hence much more favourable.

Amicable dispute settlement is preferable over potentially adversarial courtroom proceedings

A Master of Laws Can Help You Enter the Expanding Dispute Resolution Market

The combination of an increased amount of transnational interactions and a turn away from traditional litigation is making qualified international dispute lawyers with cross-cultural expertise in high demand. Since this is a specific legal specialisation, it takes the completion of a master's degree in laws to have the necessary qualifications.

Because many existing lawyers, recent bachelor's-level graduates, or other professionals may already be working and not want to disrupt their careers in order to gain an additional degree, opting for an online LLM programme could be a great way to gain the additional edge required to meet the demands of the growing international law market.

Quality online LLM degrees like the one provided by Queen Mary University of London offer flexible learning options and an educational environment that offers exposure to expertise from around the globe through an online learning community of fellow students and lecturers. Due to the multinational nature of the work, such cross-cultural exposure is something that companies and organisations seek in an international dispute resolution professional.

An LLM in International Dispute Resolution Can Open Up a Number of Professional Pathways

Graduates of an online master of laws course specialising in international dispute resolution can end up working as in-house legal counsel or external arbiters for companies, other organisations, or even areas related to the state such as foreign affairs  or trade ministries.

An LLM in International Dispute Resolution could lead to a number of roles

An LLM degree from an internationally respected university can carry a lot of value, and be broadly applicable across legal systems, improving employment prospects both within your own country and beyond. With some legal markets also enjoying an abundance of undergraduate law degree holders, an LLM can really help you stand out regardless of the specialisation.

Are you considering LLM distance learning options?

Explore the international dispute resolution degree offered by Queen Mary Online.