Office of the Legal Counsel

Assists the Legal Counsel in the overall direction and management of the Office of Legal Affairs and in the coordination of legal advice and services to the United Nations as a whole

Prepares

• Legal opinions, studies and advice on the interpretation of the Charter and on the interpretation and drafting of rules of international public law, including international criminal and humanitarian law, United Nations resolutions and regulations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, as well as prepares agreements and other legal instruments regulating relations of the United Nations with Member States, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and other legal entities;
• Legal arrangements for and provides advice on legal aspects of peacekeeping and other United Nations operations and activities;
• Studies on relevant Articles of the Charter for the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs.
• Drafts rules of procedure and advises United Nations organs and conferences on the conduct of business;
• Provides secretariat services to the Committee on Relations with the Host Country and dealing with questions arising out of the Headquarters Agreement with the United States of America and other host Governments;
• Maintains liaison with the International Court of Justice and discharges the legal responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the Statute of the Court;
• Advises on questions relating to the credentials of permanent representatives to the United Nations and representatives on United Nations organs, and provides secretariat services to the Credentials Committee; and
• Prepares studies on relevant Articles of the Charter for the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs.