International lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What international lawyer is

An international lawyer provides information about legal issues crossing borders, such as treaties, trade, foreign agreements and disputes. Businesses and individuals look for one when a contract, transaction or family matter involves more than one country. General information only, no results promised.

Signs you need it

  • You are signing an agreement with a company in another country
  • You plan to sell products or services abroad and need to know the rules
  • A dispute involves a party outside your country
  • You inherited property or have family matters in another country
  • You need documents recognized in another country
  • You received a notice from a foreign authority or court

What the pro does

  • Learn which countries, parties and laws may be involved
  • Explain, in general terms, how choice of law and choice of court clauses work
  • Review or draft cross border contracts
  • Coordinate with local counsel in the other country, since your lawyer may not be licensed there
  • Advise on the paperwork for sending or receiving documents across borders
  • Represent you in negotiation or a dispute that crosses borders

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of countries involved
  • Whether local counsel in another country is needed
  • Translation and document certification needs
  • The type of work: contract, trade matter or dispute
  • Whether arbitration or court is involved
  • Time zones and communication difficulty
  • Whether regulatory rules apply to the goods or services

What a written quote should spell out

  • Whether the fee covers coordination with foreign counsel
  • Whether foreign counsel fees are separate
  • Translation and certification costs
  • Scope: drafting, review, negotiation or dispute
  • How you will be updated

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which country's law do you think applies and why?
  • Do you work with local counsel abroad, and who pays them?
  • How do you handle translation of contracts?
  • What does a dispute clause need to say in this deal?
  • Which parts of my matter are outside your license?
  • How will you coordinate with my accountant on cross border tax questions?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who claims to advise on foreign law without a licensed partner there
  • Promises that a foreign party will pay
  • No written fee agreement
  • Advice to send money abroad before checking the other party

What you can do yourself

You can gather copies of agreements, communications and identification documents, and write a timeline. Check basic facts about the other party using public records. Because laws differ by country, speak with a licensed attorney, and ask whether local counsel abroad is needed.

Licenses and permits

International lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing where they practice. They are generally not licensed to give advice on another country's law unless also licensed there. Check the license with the state bar and ask about foreign credentials.

International lawyer questions

Can my lawyer advise on the law of another country?

Only if licensed there or working with local counsel who is.

Which country's law applies to my contract?

It depends on the contract and the facts. A licensed attorney can explain.

Can I enforce a judgment abroad?

It depends on the countries involved. Ask a licensed attorney.

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