Free trade agreements has been around for almost 20 years now. China is in full expansion mode. India is developing. Canada exports a large part of its production. Young people want to "see the world." 2008 will mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations International Bill of Human Rights. Yet, in many places throughout the world, human rights are trampled on. What role can a lawyer play internationally?

International law should be differentiated from international transactions, which are not strictly speaking private international law, which itself is different than public international law.

International transactions are governed by commercial law between companies located in different parts of the globe. Commercial law can involve the sale of goods and services, corporate acquisitions or mergers. "This sector is doing well," states attorney Jean-François Théorêt, director of Robert Half Legal. The company has service points in various Canadian and U.S. cities, in addition to a Paris office to cover Europe.

"Canada-wide firms tend to develop the commercial aspect of their practice," emphasizes Mr. Théorêt, "in order to meet their clients' expansion needs or their desire to do business in other regions. Canadian companies also want their share of the expanding Chinese market pie."

He also notes the increasing flexibility of provincial bar association rules with respect to the mobility of lawyers within Canada, where Quebec is different. Since it is the only province under civil law, it is more difficult for its lawyers to migrate to common law provinces.

"Business transaction law is a bit different," points out Mr. Théorêt. "The rules for drafting international contracts are often similar. This type of law is therefore more easily exportable."

The nature of the economy directs the work of business lawyers. Alberta's roaring growth has brought new clients, with a high concentration of oil companies. "This sector is definitely a driver of the Albertan economy," he analyzes, "but the spin-offs exceed this single sector. Increasing numbers of large companies are opening for business there, in all types of business, which creates an opportunity for lawyers.

Toronto remains the largest Canadian metropolis. It is where the largest number of head offices are to be found, hence the largest concentration of major files for legal specialists. Although the city continues to grow, its pace is slower than Calgary's.

Montreal, for its part, is doing well too, although the situation is more stable. Leading sectors in the city include new technology, telecommunications and pharmacology, including biotechnology.