My first presentation consists of two parts. In the first part I describe the conditions under which a Legal Adviser works. In the second part, I describe in general terms the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, its management and staff.

My second presentation also consists of two parts. One in which I share with the audience some of my experiences in the legal field during my 10 years as the UN Legal Counsel between 1994 and 2004 and the role that the UN Office of Legal Affairs played at that time. In the concluding part I sum up with some general reflections on the role of the Legal Adviser based on my 42 years in public service.