NOAA Office of the General Counsel

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THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL --
ABOUT US

The NOAA General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The position of the NOAA General Counsel was established in section 2(e)(1) of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 that created NOAA.

The General Counsel is appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, with the approval of the President. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal service and guidance for all matters that may arise in the conduct of NOAA's missions. These functions are carried out subject to the overall authority of the General Counsel of the Department of Commerce, as provided in Department Organization Order 10-6.
The Office of the NOAA General Counsel is managed by the General Counsel, two Deputy General Counsels, and an Assistant General Counsel-Headquarters.
As can be seen from the organization chart, in headquarters, there are a series of primary subdivisions headed by Assistant General Counsels (Fisheries; Ocean Services; Enforcement and Litigation), and Senior Counselors (International; Atmospheric and Space Services and Research).
Regional Counsels manage offices in Gloucester, MA; St. Petersburg, FL; Long Beach, CA; Seattle, WA; Honolulu, HI; and Juneau, AK. The position of Special Counselor for Natural Resources is located in Seattle, WA.
The Office of General Counsel currently includes 106 attorneys, 11 paralegals, and 19 support staff in 13 offices.