REPRESENTATION
WHO MAY REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS BEFORE UNAT?
An individual may be an “appellant” and file an appeal before UNAT and may also be considered the “respondent” when filing an answer to an appeal. Any individual who either has or will have a case before UNAT may represent him- or herself or seek legal or non-legal representation in his or her case before UNAT. Individuals are strongly encouraged to consider the advantages of obtaining assistance and/or representation before proceeding. Parties with representation must submit a signed authorization form. The UNAT Registry will direct official communications to the representative’s attention only.
SELF-REPRESENTATION
Individuals may represent themselves before UNAT, regardless of whether they were self-represented or had representation prior to UNAT proceedings.
Toolkit for self-represented litigants (UNAT) – interactive video
Toolkit for self-represented litigants (UNAT) – text
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
OFFICE OF STAFF LEGAL ASSISTANCE (OSLA):
Some individuals with proceedings before UNAT may seek legal assistance and representation from OSLA. Individuals from UNRWA, ICAO, IFAD, IMO, ISA, ITLOS, and UPU are not eligible for legal assistance from OSLA unless a claim is related to the UNJSPF. Individuals from UNRWA may seek the assistance of counsel from UNRWA’s Legal Office of Staff Assistance (LOSA). For more information on OSLA’s services and whom they serve, please visit the OSLA website.
PRIVATE COUNSEL:
Individuals may obtain outside private counsel, who are authorized to practice law in a national jurisdiction. UNAT does not cover or reimburse parties for the fees and/or expenses incurred by hiring outside private counsel.
REPRESENTATION BY CURRENT OR FORMER STAFF MEMBER
Individuals may be represented before UNAT by a current or former staff member, including by a member of a staff union. This representative is not required to be authorized to practice law in a national jurisdiction, as is required for outside private counsel, nor required to have legal training or background.
WHO REPRESENTS THE AGENCY, ENTITY, OR ORGANIZATION BEFORE UNAT?
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his role as the Chief Administrative Officer of the United Nations may be an appellant and therefore file appeals before UNAT. The Secretary-General may also be considered the respondent when filing an answer to an appeal. The Legal Counsel at the Office of Legal Affairs serves to represent the Secretary-General in matters before UNAT. Similarly, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA serves as the appellant or respondent and is represented by UNRWA’s legal office. The legal offices within the agencies, entities or organizations over which UNAT has appellate jurisdiction likewise represent their respective agencies, entities, or organizations before UNAT.
The Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund serves to represent the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board in appeals before UNAT.
