General Counsel

The General Counsel provides legal services to the Commission. This includes reviewing for legal sufficiency staff recommendations for Commission action; drafting proposed rules to implement Commission policies; drafting memoranda evaluating adjudicatory and investigatory proceedings; and preparing final decisions, orders and regulations for Commission ratification.  The General Counsel also provides written and oral legal opinions to the Commission, its staff, and the general public in appropriate instances.

The General Counsel represents the Commission's interests in matters before Congress. This includes commenting on proposed legislation, preparing testimony for Commission officials, proposing legislation, and responding to congressional requests for information or assistance.

The General Counsel represents the Commission in trial and appellate litigation in the Federal courts and other fora.  This includes representing the Commission in appeals of its orders and rulemakings; seeking injunctions and other forms of relief against statutory violations in the Federal district courts; and representing the Commission's interests before other Federal agencies.

The General Counsel is also responsible for the Commission's International Affairs Program. The Commission has the statutory authority to take actions to correct or counterbalance adverse, unfair or unfavorable foreign practices which affect U.S. shipping or U.S. carriers in international commerce. The General Counsel monitors and investigates restrictive foreign practices, and makes recommendations for appropriate Commission action.  In addition, the General Counsel maintains a list of ocean common carriers that are owned or controlled by the governments of the foreign countries in which they are registered. These "controlled carriers" are subject to strict rate review standards to ensure that they do not unjustly take advantage of their government-supported position in the marketplace. 

Peter J. King is the Acting General Counsel of the Commission.  He was selected by the Commission for this position as of February 16, 2008.