Legal Intern

Work Location

In person in New York or remote, full-time modalities would be considered.

Expected duration

3 to 6 months - Fall 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

These positions are located in the Registries of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) or the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York. The Registries are part of the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ). The UNDT is a Tribunal established to review appeals against administrative decisions. The UNAT an appellate Tribunal established to review appeals against judgments by UNDT and other entities. The incumbents report to a Registrar. This internship is for a minimum of three months and up to six months. The programme is normally full-time, i.e. an Intern is expected to work five days per week (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) for a total of 35 hours per week. Our Interns work as full team members, pursue projects designed to make a significant difference in the Registries and have opportunities to learn about the United Nations overall. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background and the period during which he/she will undertake the internship. Responsibilities The Intern will provide legal and paralegal support to the Registry. Duties will include: • Assisting in conducting legal research for use by Legal Officers and Judges in connection with review of cases; • Assisting in drafting summaries of Judgments for publication on the OAJ case law portal; • Assisting in summarizing facts and parties' contentions for consideration by the Judges; • Editing, proof-reading, formatting and otherwise finalizing Judgments, Orders and other documents; • Assisting in the organizational and logistical preparation of hearings; • Helping to maintain databases and files, including in the electronic Court Case Management System and SharePoint; • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Registrar or Principal Registrar.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: • Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), preferably in the area of law, international relations, or public administration; • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), preferably in the area of law, international relations, or public administration; • Be computer literate in standard software applications. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. The Office of Administration of Justice is seeking highly motivated graduate students or students in the last year of their first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), who wish to gain professional experience in an international organization. During this three to six month internship, Interns will have opportunities to broaden their experience and knowledge about the international administrative law and the system of administration of justice of the United Nations. The internship offers a practical educational experience and allows Interns to work in a multicultural intergovernmental organization.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, interns who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1/J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. Interns will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and if required, employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.