Human Rights Advocacy, International Law, and Finding Your Calling with Wissam al-Saliby

ISSN 2819-733XOne of the greatest opportunities in the legal profession is the ability to align your personal values with your daily practice.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and almost no one teaches that early enough. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.What mistake do junior lawyers make when planning their careers? They assume their personal values and their professional skills must exist in completely separate spheres.In this special installment of our Lawyers of Faith series, I sat down with Wissam al-Saliby, the president of 21 Wilberforce. Wissam transitioned from studying international law in Lebanon and France to leading a global organization dedicated to protecting human rights and freedom of belief.He generously shared the invisible mechanics of finding your calling and using your legal skills to serve others:What you will learnThe Origins of Humanitarian Law: How the foundations of the International Committee of the Red Cross were deeply rooted in a Christian ethical framework focused on the sanctity of life.Navigating Global Human Rights: Why the majority of the global population still struggles to fully enjoy freedom of belief, and how legal advocates work to expand these protections worldwide.Integrating Personal Values: Practical steps for corporate lawyers and law students to incorporate human rights advocacy and meaningful pro bono work into their everyday practice.Why this mattersIt is easy to believe that meaningful human rights work is reserved exclusively for those working at the United Nations or massive non profit organizations. Wissam proves that the exact opposite is true. Finding a way to integrate your core values into your legal work is the ultimate key to a sustainable and fulfilling career. Whether you are actively seeking a role in international human rights or simply looking to take on pro bono work at a corporate firm, your unique background is a powerful tool for advocacy.Three takeawaysExplore the intersection of values and practice. You do not need to abandon a traditional career path to do meaningful work. Taking short courses in humanitarian law or reading about refugee protection can help you identify pro bono opportunities that align with your personal calling.Volunteer your legal skills. Organizations dedicated to human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations are constantly looking for skilled legal professionals. Reach out and volunteer your time. Your ability to navigate complex systems is incredibly valuable to those in need.Listen to your calling. The most fulfilling careers are rarely linear. Remain open to unexpected pivots and unique opportunities. Letting your values guide your professional decisions will often lead you to places you never expected to go.Guest: Wissam al-Saliby, President of 21 Wilberforce. Wissam is an international legal expert and advocate dedicated to supporting global human rights, religious freedom, and peacemaking.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes