National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Welcome
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Office of the General Counsel (NOAA GC) provides legal advice and guidance for all NOAA activities.

NOAA was established pursuant to Executive Order 11564 in 1970. It employs over 12,000 people and its responsibilities include gathering data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun, warning of dangerous weather, charting the seas and skies, guiding the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducting research to improve understanding and stewardship of the environment. NOAA provides these services through five major organizations – NOAA National Weather Service, NOAA Ocean Service, NOAA Fisheries, NOAA Satellites and Information Service, and NOAA Research. In addition, NOAA research and operational activities are supported by the NOAA Corps, a commissioned officer corps of men and women who operate NOAA ships and aircraft, and serve in scientific and administrative posts. NOAA GC plays a central role in advising and facilitating the work of each of these offices.

Office Description
Pursuant to Executive Order 11564, the NOAA General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for NOAA and as legal advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and other senior officials of NOAA. With the assistance of two Deputy General Counsels, the NOAA General Counsel directs the operations of over 90 lawyers in thirteen primary subdivision offices, which are organized to support the various offices that execute NOAA’s mission. For more information about NOAA and its Office of the General Counsel, please visit NOAA’s and NOAA GC’s Websites.

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