With recent shifts in trade policies and tariffs, lawyers are increasingly called upon to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. We’ve long recognized that today’s legal advisors must act as business partners to their clients, but the reality is that geopolitical awareness is now a critical component of that role.

The practice of law doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The global stage is playing an increasingly powerful role in shaping how our clients do business. This truth was underscored at our two most recent ILN conferences — first in October 2024, when we hosted a panel discussion on the potential legal and economic impacts of the U.S. presidential election, and again this May in Bucharest, where our European members examined how U.S. tariffs are affecting clients around the world.

The Legal Landscape in a Geopolitical World

It feels as though every few years, we’re grappling with a new “normal,” and the current climate is no exception. Shifts in tariffs, trade policy, and political leadership affect clients globally, not just in the U.S. Uncertainty is dampening deal flow, clients are working hard to remain compliant with evolving legislation, and global supply chains are being disrupted. Increasingly, they’re turning to their lawyers not only for legal advice, but also for strategic guidance and risk navigation.

In Bucharest, our corporate group explored these impacts through the lens of international client work. Several firms reported a noticeable slowdown in deals and a rise in clients shifting operations to markets like India and Turkey. The message from our October election discussion still resonates: regardless of who wins, unpredictability reigns. That reinforces a critical lesson — clients need lawyers who can help them scenario-plan, mitigate risk, and stay grounded amidst the uncertainty.

What Can Lawyers Do?

So, what actions can lawyers take to meet this moment? Here are three key strategies:

1. Integrate geopolitical risk into client advisory services
Lawyers have always kept an eye on political and economic developments, but it’s more essential than ever to incorporate this thinking directly into client guidance. Understanding how trade policies, sanctions, and international negotiations impact your clients’ operations should be part of every strategic discussion.

2. Collaborate more intentionally across borders
No one understands the local impact of policy changes better than on-the-ground lawyers. Build relationships with firms in your clients’ key markets — both where they operate now and where they may expand. This is where networks like the ILN add real value: we do the due diligence of vetting firms and creating connections, so our members can focus on collaboration and client service.

3. Educate clients before crises emerge
Many lawyers are already doing this, but it’s worth reinforcing: don’t wait for legislation to pass or headlines to hit. If you’ve traditionally focused on legal changes that appear directly relevant to clients, consider broadening those conversations to include geopolitical and market dynamics. Clients will appreciate proactive insights that help them prepare, not just respond.

At the ILN, we’ve seen the power of this approach. Our members gain real-time insights from peers around the world, which helps them stay ahead of global shifts and deliver informed, cross-border advice to their clients.

Future-Proofing Legal Services

The legal profession has evolved rapidly in the past two decades, and that pace is only accelerating. To thrive in this environment, lawyers need more than technical knowledge. They need global collaboration, continuous learning, and the ability to anticipate change rather than simply react to it.

As policy shifts become more frequent and complex, legal networks like the ILN are not just helpful — they’re essential. We provide the infrastructure and relationships that empower our members to deliver strategic, globally informed counsel in real time. That’s what it means to future-proof your legal services in a geopolitical age.