The Legal Directorate provides legal and procedural advice to the governing bodies, substantive committees and their subsidiary bodies, the senior management of the Organisation as well as substantive and corporate Directorates. It is represented in the meetings of the Council and its standing committees and supports substantive committees in developing their outputs and relations with non-OECD Members, international organisations and other stakeholders. It plays a key role in implementing the Organisation’s legal framework with respect to its internal rules.  

The Legal Directorate co-ordinates the accession process to the Organisation from the opening of accession discussions with candidate countries by Council until completion, bringing institutional memory and understanding of the OECD legal instruments to the centre of the technical evaluation.

The Legal Directorate coordinates the work on OECD standards, including supporting the negotiation, interpretation, and implementation of OECD legal instruments.

The Legal Directorate handles legal questions related to staff matters, including the development and interpretation of the Staff Regulations and Rules and representing the Organisation before its dispute settlement bodies, including the OECD Administrative Tribunal. It also ensures that the privileges and immunities of the OECD and its staff are respected.

The Legal Directorate provides legal support on financing agreements, contracts, and other financial issues. It also provides legal assistance on the negotiation of co-operation agreements, including with non-OECD Members, other international organisations, and non-governmental entities. It contributes to the protection of the Organisation’s outputs and brand, and works closely with the Data Protection Officer on the OECD data protection rules.