The Legal Department is one of the direct problem-solving arms of the Commission. The casework staff advises foreign diplomats, consular officers, and UN staff members. They also provide legal advice and assistance to the citizens and businesses of New York City who may have complaints or problems related to the international community, and advise all City agencies on questions of policy that arise due to the presence in New York of the United Nations, foreign governments and their personnel.

     Legal inquiries from missions and consulates frequently relate to leases, the purchase and sale of property, banking and taxation, contracts and commercial law, criminal law, legal procedure, and privileges and immunities. Requests for assistance from individual diplomats involve insurance questions, consumer protection matters, customs and immigration law, and a wide variety of real estate transactions. The Commission offers voluntary dispute resolution for the UN, foreign governments and their personnel, as well as individuals and businesses within the City of New