From University to International Practice: A Guest Lecture on a Career in International Law

On October 1, 2026, the Faculty of International Relations hosted a guest lecture entitled “Career of an International Lawyer: From University to Negotiations with Foreign Investors.”

The guest speaker was Victoria Aleksandrovna Sleta, General Director of RSP International Uzbekistan and a 2018 graduate of the International Law programme.

The meeting focused on the development of a professional career in international law and the key competencies required for successful work in modern international legal practice.

Victoria Aleksandrovna shared her professional experience with the students and spoke about various areas of international legal practice, including legal support for businesses, investments and international contracts, as well as work with private clients, government bodies and international organizations.

A separate part of the lecture focused on client negotiations and due diligence. Through a practical case, students analyzed a potential investment in an agricultural business, identified key legal risks and necessary documents, and discussed the questions that an international lawyer should clarify before providing a recommendation to a client.

The lecture also addressed practical issues of international private legal practice, including tax residency, contracts, income derived from different jurisdictions, inheritance and applicable law.

Particular attention was given to the professional qualities of a young lawyer: accuracy, responsibility, the ability to identify not only a problem but also a potential solution, the ability to distinguish significant risks from theoretical ones, and the capacity to formulate clear and practical recommendations for a client.

Victoria Aleksandrovna emphasized that the professional development of an international lawyer begins long before graduation. During their university years, students should actively seek opportunities for internships, practical and research projects, develop their language and communication skills, participate in professional events and build a professional network.

At the conclusion of the meeting, students were given practical guidance for the next 12 months: to work on academic articles and projects, read and analyze real contracts, improve their professional English, participate in internships and other projects, and develop their public speaking and negotiation skills.

Such meetings enable students to better understand the connection between university education and real-world professional practice, while also gaining insight into possible career paths in international law.

We express our sincere gratitude to Victoria Aleksandrovna Sleta for the informative meeting, open professional dialogue, and her contribution to the development of future specialists in the field of international law.