An important component
of the programme involves the creation of a database of international
law firms and independent legal experts who will provide legal advice
to the governments of least developed countries on issues relating
to dispute settlement.
The legal advice may take the form of,
inter alia, providing general information on dispute settlement, the selection
of the appropriate dispute settlement forum, the procedures to be
followed in filing cases, and undertaking a general assessment of
disputes.
The initial legal work will
be conducted on a no-fee basis. Participating law firms and independent
legal practitioners have committed themselves to providing 40 hours of
initially free advice per year to LDCs. They will counsel two
LDC government clients, while individual practitioners may offer services
to one LDC government client. However, the terms for the provision
of continuing or extended legal assistance should be arranged independently
between the law firm or independent legal practitioner and the LDC client.
UNCTAD's role in the context of this activity would be limited to
providing information to LDCs about the law firms and independent legal
practitioners that are registered with the project.
Consult the complete
list of law firms and independent legal practitioners who
have agreed to participate in this project.
