Careers · Inside the work
Starting an international law firm career: how cross-border work really runs
A realistic, sourced look at cross-border legal work for students weighing an international law firm career: matters, arbitration, time zones, documents and conduct.
The Legal 500 · Bangladesh: Intellectual property Tier 2 · Tax Tier 2 · Dispute resolution Tier 3
International law firm · 01
How a cross-border matter moves
Most cross-border matters follow the same broad path, whether they end in a signed deal or a hearing. Knowing it helps you see where your work fits.
An international law firm career is mostly about coordination: one matter can involve Bangladesh law, the law of another country, foreign counsel and a client in a third time zone. The path below is a general one. Every firm runs its own version, but the stages and the professional duties behind them are much the same.
The life of a matter
No substantive work starts until the conflict check is clear and the engagement terms are agreed.
| Stage | What happens | Where a junior or intern helps |
|---|---|---|
| Client enquiry | The client explains the problem, the parties and the countries involved. | Taking a clear note of the facts |
| Conflict check | The firm checks it can act without a conflict with current or former clients. | Listing every party and related company correctly |
| Engagement letter | Scope, team, fees and terms are agreed in writing. | Not usually involved |
| Team and foreign counsel | Lawyers in each relevant jurisdiction are brought in for their own law. | Preparing questions for foreign counsel |
| Research | Each point of law is answered from primary sources in the relevant jurisdiction. | Research notes with full citations |
| Drafting | Contracts, pleadings, advice or submissions are drafted and reviewed. | First drafts, checking defined terms and cross-references |
| Negotiation or hearing | The deal is negotiated, or the case is argued. | Tracking changes, preparing bundles, taking notes |
| Closing | Signing and completion, or judgment, award and enforcement; the file is closed. | Closing checklists and indexing the final documents |
On a cross-border matter, Bangladesh law questions are answered by Bangladeshi advocates and foreign law questions by lawyers qualified there. Coordinating those answers into one piece of advice is a core skill.
International law firm · 02
A transaction versus a dispute
Cross-border work divides broadly into transactions, where parties are building something together, and disputes, where they disagree about what was agreed or done.
- Parties work towards an agreed outcome
- The work is negotiation, drafting and due diligence
- The deadline is usually signing or completion
- Success is a deal that works and holds up later
- Parties are on opposite sides
- The work is evidence, argument and procedure
- Deadlines are set by court rules or the tribunal
- Success is a judgment or award that can be enforced
Where the two meet
The arbitration clause drafted in a transaction often decides how a later dispute is run.
| Question | Transaction lawyer | Dispute lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| What does this clause mean? | Draft it so it has one meaning | Argue for the meaning that helps the client |
| Where will disputes go? | Choose the forum and seat of arbitration | Work within the forum that was chosen |
| What law applies? | Agree a governing law | Apply it, with experts on foreign law if needed |
Under Bangladesh's Arbitration Act 2001, section 9 governs the form of an arbitration agreement, including the requirement of writing, and section 10 deals with referring a dispute to arbitration when one party goes to court instead.
International law firm · 03
An arbitration, from notice to enforcement
International commercial arbitration is one of the most common forms of cross-border dispute. In Bangladesh it is governed by the Arbitration Act 2001.
One arbitration, six stages
- 01Commencement
One party starts the arbitration under the arbitration agreement. Section 27 of the Arbitration Act 2001 governs when proceedings commence.
- 02The tribunal is appointed
Sections 11 and 12 cover the number and appointment of arbitrators. In an international commercial arbitration where the parties' method fails, the Chief Justice, or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, makes the appointment.
- 03Written cases
Statements of claim and defence are exchanged (section 29). The tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction (section 17).
- 04The hearing
Section 30 covers hearings and written proceedings; section 33 lets the tribunal summon witnesses. The tribunal is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure or the Evidence Act (section 24).
- 05The award
Section 38 sets the form and content of the award, which is final and binding (section 39). A domestic award can be challenged only through an application to set it aside (sections 42 and 43).
- 06Enforcement abroad or at home
A foreign award is recognised and enforced in Bangladesh under section 45, subject to the limited grounds for refusal in section 46. Bangladesh awards can be enforced in other New York Convention states.
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 3 | Scope: applies where the seat is in Bangladesh; sections 45 to 47 also apply to foreign-seated arbitrations |
| 9 and 10 | Form of arbitration agreement; referral to arbitration |
| 12 | Appointment of arbitrators |
| 17 | Tribunal's power to rule on its own jurisdiction |
| 27 | Commencement of arbitral proceedings |
| 38 and 39 | Form and content of the award; award final and binding |
| 42 and 43 | Application and grounds for setting aside an award |
| 44 | Enforcement of an arbitral award |
| 45 and 46 | Recognition and enforcement of foreign awards; grounds for refusal |
Bangladesh and the New York Convention
Bangladesh accedes to the 1958 Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
The Convention enters into force for Bangladesh.
Section 3 applies the Act where the place of arbitration is in Bangladesh. Where the seat is abroad, sections 45, 46 and 47 still apply, so a foreign award can be enforced in Bangladesh.
International law firm · 04
Working across time zones and languages
TRW's offices span four time zones. Knowing the overlaps is basic to running a cross-border matter well.
| Office | Time zone | Difference from Dhaka | When it is 10:00 in Dhaka |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet | GMT+6 | None | 10:00 |
| London, late October to late March | GMT | 6 hours behind | 04:00 |
| London, late March to late October | BST (GMT+1) | 5 hours behind | 05:00 |
| Dubai (DIFC) | GMT+4 | 2 hours behind | 08:00 |
| Singapore | GMT+8 | 2 hours ahead | 12:00 |
An illustrative cross-border day, in Dhaka time (UK winter)
- Singapore call10:00 Dhaka, 12:00 Singapore
Singapore is two hours ahead, so the morning is the best time to reach it.
- Dubai joins12:00 Dhaka, 10:00 Dubai
Dubai's working day is under way, two hours behind Dhaka.
- London opens15:00 Dhaka, 09:00 London
In UK winter, London starts work in the Dhaka afternoon.
- Handover18:00 Dhaka, 12:00 London
Work passes to London for the rest of its day, with a clear note of what is outstanding.
Bangladesh, the UAE and Singapore do not change their clocks, but the UK does: clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October. In 2026 those dates are 29 March and 25 October.
Working across languages
- Strong drafting in both English and Bangla is central
- State times with the time zone in every email and calendar invitation
- Keep defined terms consistent across language versions of a document
- Flag where a translation needs certifying for use abroad
- TRW publishes free insights in English, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic and Spanish
International law firm · 05
Documents that cross borders
A power of attorney, a board resolution or a degree certificate often has to be used in another country. Since 2025, the Apostille Convention has made that simpler for Bangladesh, with some exceptions.
Bangladesh and the Apostille Convention
Bangladesh accedes to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.
The Convention enters into force for Bangladesh.
- A single certificate from the competent authority of the issuing state
- No further legalisation by the destination state's embassy
- Applies between Bangladesh and other Contracting States that have not objected
- A chain of certifications, ending with the destination state's embassy or consulate
- Still needed for states outside the Convention
- Also needed where a state objected to Bangladesh's accession
Before a document travels
- Identify the destination
Check whether the destination is a Contracting State on the HCCH status table.
- Check for objections
Under Article 12, the Convention does not apply between Bangladesh and a state that objected to its accession.
- Prepare the document
Make sure it is a public document, or properly notarised, and in the form the destination needs.
- Arrange translation
Check whether the destination needs a certified translation.
- Apostille or legalise
Obtain an apostille, or follow the legalisation route where the Convention does not apply.
The HCCH lists objections to Bangladesh's accession from 12 states, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. Check the current status table before relying on an apostille.
International law firm · 06
Professional conduct across jurisdictions
Each lawyer on a cross-border matter is bound by the rules of their own regulator. The core duties of confidentiality and avoiding conflicts appear in all of them.
| Duty | Bangladesh: Bar Council canons | England and Wales: SRA Code of Conduct |
|---|---|---|
| Conflicts | An advocate shall not represent conflicting interests, and must disclose relationships with the adverse party before accepting work. | Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2: generally no acting where client interests conflict, subject to narrow exceptions with informed written consent. |
| Confidentiality | No employment adverse to a client or former client where the advocate holds that client's confidential information. | Paragraph 6.3: keep the affairs of current and former clients confidential, unless disclosure is required or permitted by law or the client consents. |
| Who regulates | The Bangladesh Bar Council, under the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order 1972 | The Solicitors Regulation Authority; TRW's London office is SRA-regulated |
An advocate shall not represent conflicting interests.
Bangladesh Bar Council, Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette
Why conflict checks come first
Getting the party list right is often a junior's job, and one of the most important.
The Bar Council admits advocates to its roll, and an enrolled advocate is entitled to practise throughout Bangladesh. Interns and pupils support that work under supervision; they do not practise.
- Bangladesh Bar Council: Conduct and ethics of lawyers (Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette)
- Bangladesh Bar Council: About us (functions, enrolment and right to practise)
- SRA: Conflicts of interest (Code of Conduct, paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2)
- SRA: Confidentiality of client information (Code of Conduct, paragraphs 6.3 to 6.5)
International law firm · 07
What international firms look for
Firms doing cross-border work look for the same few things in students and graduates. Most of them can be built while you study.
What firms look for
- Research from primary sources, cited so a reader can check it
- Clear, precise drafting in English, and in Bangla for Bangladesh work
- Commercial awareness: how businesses make money and take decisions
- Understanding of how foreign law and foreign counsel fit into a matter
- Reliability with deadlines across time zones
- Discretion and a firm grasp of confidentiality
- Comfort working with people from different legal systems
Building your profile while you study
- Read primary sourcesAny time
Practise on statutes and judgments, starting with TRW's Constitution guide at trw.co/constitution-of-bangladesh/.
- Test your basicsAny time
Use TRW's free Bar Council Exam to check your grounding in Bangladesh law.
- Learn how business worksAny time
Read the Doing Business in Bangladesh guide to see the issues investors raise.
- Build your vocabularyAny time
Use the Bangladesh legal glossary for terms in English and Bangla.
- Get supervised experienceWhen you are ready
Sit the TRW Internship Exam: every candidate who passes is guaranteed an internship offer.
Read about the internship at trw.co/careers/internship-programme, and the routes into practice at trw.co/careers/how-to-become-a-lawyer-in-bangladesh.
International law firm · 08
Frequently asked questions
Short answers for students thinking about cross-border legal work.
A typical route
Internships do not count towards Bar Council pupillage.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be qualified abroad to work on international matters?
No. On a cross-border matter each lawyer advises on their own law. A Bangladeshi advocate advises on Bangladesh law and works alongside lawyers qualified in the other jurisdictions.
Who can practise Bangladesh law?
Advocates enrolled with the Bangladesh Bar Council. An enrolled advocate is entitled to practise throughout Bangladesh.
Can a foreign arbitral award be enforced in Bangladesh?
Yes. Section 45 of the Arbitration Act 2001 provides for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, subject to the grounds for refusal in section 46. Bangladesh has been party to the New York Convention since 1992.
When did the Apostille Convention start to apply to Bangladesh?
It entered into force for Bangladesh on 30 March 2025, after accession on 29 July 2024. It does not apply between Bangladesh and the states that objected to its accession.
What is the time difference between Dhaka and London?
Six hours in UK winter (GMT) and five hours during British Summer Time. Dhaka does not change its clocks.
Which languages matter most?
Strong drafting in English and Bangla is central. TRW also publishes insights in Chinese, Hindi, Arabic and Spanish.
How can I see this work from the inside?
Sit the TRW Internship Exam. Every candidate who passes is guaranteed an internship offer at our Dhaka head office.
Read about the internship exam and the guarantee at trw.co/careers/internship-exam.
Pass the exam. Your internship is guaranteed.
One 60-minute online exam for law students and recent graduates. Pass with 70% overall and at least 50% in every section, and your internship offer at TRW & Co is guaranteed.
TRW & Co · House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS, Dhaka 1206 · General information, not legal advice.
