The functions of the Office of Legal Affairs include:

• Prestar assessoria jurídica ao INS e aos seus órgãos locais;
• Participar na elaboração de propostas de diplomas legais, regulamentos e outros actos normativos sobre a área de jurisdição do INS;
• Issue legal opinions on various cases and other matters submitted for review;
• Provide legal assistance in the preparation and drafting of contracts, agreements, conventions, and other legal instruments;
• Ensure the observance of the INS's intellectual property rights;
• Ensure compliance with and observance of applicable legislation in the sector.;
• Prepare legal studies requested of you;
• Advise the Director-General of INS in administrative contentious proceedings.;
• Issue an opinion on disciplinary proceedings, the formal regularity of the investigation, and the legal adequacy of the proposed penalty;
• Issue an opinion on the petitions and report to the competent bodies on their respective results;
• Organize and keep updated the collection of legislation of interest for the development of INS's activities, promoting its dissemination; and
• Perform other activities as superiorly determined by you under applicable legislation.