Legal Officer

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of Administration of Justice, specifically the Registry of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York. The role reports to the UNAT Registrar and Principal Registrar. UNAT adjudicates appeals from staff members against judgments of first-instance tribunals.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer provides substantive, technical, and administrative support to the UNAT judges in case adjudication. This involves reviewing submissions, conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, and assisting in the drafting and review of judgments. The role also entails identifying legal issues, drafting legal texts, handling complex legal matters related to administrative and employment law, and providing legal advice on procedural and substantive questions. Additionally, the officer will prepare case summaries for the OAJ case law portal and advise on legal documents and correspondence, supporting various Registry initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide substantive, technical, and administrative support for UNAT case adjudication. Review parties' submissions to the Tribunal. Conduct legal research and prepare briefing memoranda for judges. Assist judges in producing accurate judgments, including reviewing drafts for consistency and editorial uniformity. Support the review of interlocutory motions and the issuance of orders. Identify legal issues, draft legal texts, and manage complex legal matters involving administrative and employment law interpretation and application. Perform extensive legal research and detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence. Prepare judgment summaries for the OAJ case law portal. Offer legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions. Draft, review, and advise on legal documents and correspondence. Undertake other duties supporting Registry initiatives as requested.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least one year of experience in administrative or employment/labor law is also required. Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, in a tribunal registry, or drafting appellate briefs is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, legal principles application, legal research and analysis, knowledge of civil/common law systems, legislative interpretation, drafting legal papers, working under pressure, good legal judgment, communication (written and verbal), client orientation.

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