Legal Intern
Organizational Context
The United Nations Secretariat, specifically the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ), hosts this internship within the Registries of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) or the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York. These tribunals handle administrative decisions and appeals, forming a crucial part of the UN's justice system. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience within a multicultural intergovernmental organization.
Job Purpose
This internship aims to provide legal and paralegal support to the Registries of the UNDT or UNAT. The intern will assist Legal Officers and Judges with case reviews, research, and drafting of judgments and orders. Key contributions include supporting the publication of case law, summarizing case facts and contentions, and ensuring the accurate finalization of legal documents. The role also involves assisting with hearing preparations and maintaining case management databases. This position offers a practical educational experience, allowing interns to contribute meaningfully to the UN's administrative justice system while developing their professional skills in an international legal environment.
Responsibilities
The Legal Intern will provide comprehensive legal and paralegal support to the Registry. Key duties include conducting legal research for Legal Officers and Judges on case reviews, and assisting in drafting summaries of judgments for the OAJ case law portal. The intern will also help summarize case facts and parties' contentions for judicial consideration. Responsibilities extend to editing, proofreading, formatting, and finalizing judgments, orders, and other legal documents. Additionally, the intern will support the organizational and logistical preparation of hearings and assist in maintaining databases and files, including the electronic Court Case Management System and SharePoint. Performing other assigned tasks by the Registrar or Principal Registrar is also expected.
Work Experience
No specific prior work experience is explicitly required for this internship. However, candidates are expected to have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to its ideals. The internship itself is designed to provide professional experience in an international organization, allowing interns to broaden their knowledge of international administrative law and the UN's system of justice.
Skills
Legal research, legal and paralegal support, drafting legal documents, editing and proofreading, case management, database maintenance, organizational and logistical support, computer literacy in standard software applications, ability to interact with diverse cultural backgrounds, willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions.