Professor Elena Volkov on Teaching the Next Generation of International Lawyers

Professor Elena Volkov has taught international law for thirty years and recently published her fifth textbook on ICJ procedure. We spoke with her about how legal education is evolving and what young lawyers need to succeed in this field.

How has the teaching of international law changed since you started?
Dramatically. When I began teaching in the 1990s, international law was often presented as theoretical, almost abstract. Students learned about cases and treaties but rarely connected them to real-world impact. Today's students demand relevance—they want to understand how international law affects climate change, migration, human rights, and technology. They're also far more globally connected than previous generations, which means they bring diverse perspectives into the classroom.

What advice do you give students interested in ICJ-related careers?
Build your network early and widely. International law is fundamentally about relationships—between states, yes, but also between practitioners. Join communities like this one, attend conferences even when you feel you have nothing to contribute yet, and don't underestimate the value of listening. Some of my most successful former students aren't necessarily the ones who had the highest grades; they're the ones who built genuine connections and remained curious throughout their careers.