Marcus Joyce

My name is Marcus Joyce. I am a Barrister and Judge in London, England with extensive experience working with International Organisations and International Financial Institutions.

I am an accredited mediator with specific certification in workplace mediations.

I am the founder and CEO of International Organisation Law Consultancy.

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Called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in London in 2005, I practiced from chambers in London in the fields of criminal and family law.

Since 2010, I have specialised in international administrative/employment law representing both staff members and international organisations in proceedings before the United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunals, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Administrative Tribunal and the International Labour Organisation Administrative Tribunal. My expertise extends to drafting policy documents on a variety of subjects ranging from the prohibition on sexual harassment to staff selection and recruitment.

In addition to my specialisation in international administrative law, I possess a wide range of experience in reviewing, negotiating and drafting complex commercial contracts between International Organisations and third parties. 

The organisations for which I have acted include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Office in Geneva, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the International Criminal Court, World Food Programme, The Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, UN Women and UNICEF.

In addition to practice as an employed Barrister, I was appointed as a Judge (fee paid) of the Employment Tribunal in 2020 and also the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal in 2019 within the jurisdiction of England and Wales. I believe that this experience gives me added insight into the aspects of a given case that are likely to be deemed critical by a Tribunal. I also sit as a Chair of Police Misconduct panels.

 Cases include:

On behalf of staff members:

·      Zerezghi v Secretary-General of the United Nations: successfully argued that disciplinary decision to dismiss was unlawful due in insufficiency of evidence.

·      Ikpa v Secretary General of the United Nations: disciplinary decision held to be unlawful.

·      David v Secretary General of the United Nations: decision not to renew appointment overturned at management evaluation stage of proceedings.

On behalf of the management:

·      Schook v Secretary General of the United Nations: dismissal of SRSG serving at the discretion of the secretary-general held to be lawful.

·      Mc Kay v Secretary-General: successfully argued lack of causation which was critical in the decision to dismiss the applicant’s claim.

·      Ibrahim v Secretary-General of the United Nations: unusual disciplinary matter concerning allegations of harm to a security dog. Decision to place staff member on leave with pay pending investigation upheld.

·      Dudley v Secretary-General of the United Nations: challenge to decision to initiate investigation dismissed.

·      Al-Qaza v Secretary General of the United Nations: case concerning equal pay rights.

·      Belsito v Secretary General of the United Nations: cancellation of selection exercise due to breach of confidentiality by the applicant held to be lawful.

·      Gabaldon v Secretary-General of United Nations: withdrawal of offer of employment held to be lawful.

·      Karkara v Secretary-General of the United Nations: One of the first cases to rule on applicability of provisions relating to sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

In addition to the above Tribunal cases, I also advise on, and draft decisions and pleadings in relation to, numerous complex disciplinary and non-disciplinary matters which are resolved without litigation.

For further information on my career history please see: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Services

  • I carry out investigations into a wide range of alleged misconduct from creation of a tailored investigation plan through to providing a finalised report with concrete findings.

  • Having worked with Human Resources departments in a variety of International Organisations, I am well placed to provide advice to HR professionals in order to resolve matters at an early stage, thereby avoiding the need for lengthy and costly litigation.

  • As an accredited mediator with certification in workplace mediation, I can assist in resolving workplace disputes amicably. My in-depth knowledge of international administrative/employment law assists me in giving a realistic picture of how a case is likely to unfold in the event of a trial before a Tribunal. This assists both sides to a dispute to make informed choices regarding settlement of a claim.

  • When litigation is unavoidable, I am in a strong position to defend decisions taken by international organisations and financial institutions. Having acted as counsel in such cases over many years, I have a wealth of experience that I bring to bear on any given case. While a number of Tribunals resolve cases solely on the basis of the pleadings and documentary evidence, my experience as a criminal law Barrister makes for high quality advocacy skills in the event of a hearing.

  • My knowledge of case law and experience before International Tribunals enables me to provide tailored training on areas of interest to managers, in house legal officers and staff at large.

    For example, I have previously provided tailored training on proceedings before the UNDT and UNAT, in addition to training on sexual offences including sexual exploitation and abuse.

  • I have drafted numerous policies on all manner of subjects including, staff selection, prohibition on sexual harassment, and modalities of employment to name but a few.

    I have a strong track record of working effectively with different stakeholders in order to build the consensus necessary to finalise a policy document.

  • I have negotiated and drafted numerous complex commercial contracts between international organisations and third parties.

    I am keenly aware of the key provisions required by international organisations in order to protect their interests, including for example privileges and immunities and dispute resolution clauses.