The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services to the Commission and to the Commission staff. The Office’s key responsibilities include:

• Providing advice and recommendations to the Commission on legal and policy matters related to the Commission’s responsibilities
• Providing advice to the Chairman and Commissioners on legal matters concerning adjudicatory and investigative proceedings
• Preparing final decisions, orders and regulations for Commission approval and issuance
• In collaboration with other Commission program offices, drafting orders, notices of inquiry, rulemakings, policy statements, and other documents to be considered or issued by the Commission
• Reviewing staff recommendations for Commission action to ensure materials take into account the legal and policy precedents established by the Commission
• Representing the Commission in litigation before the courts, including appellate review of Commission orders and rulemakings, seeking injunctions and other forms of relief in the Federal district courts, and representing the Commission’s interests before other Federal agencies
• Preparing orders and formal opinions regarding administrative matters and representing the Commission in administrative proceedings
• Representing the Commission’s interests in matters before Congress, including commenting on proposed legislation, preparing testimony for Commission officials, proposing legislation, and responding to congressional requests for information or assistance
• Providing technical and policy assistance to other government agencies engaged in bilateral and multilateral international negotiations or discussions on shipping matters
• Providing legal opinions to the Commission, its staff, and the general public in appropriate instances