Office of the General Counsel

Overview

The General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Officer of the Department, with final authority on questions of law.  The General Counsel is the legal advisor to the Secretary and is responsible for the supervision, coordination and review of the legal work of the almost 500 lawyers throughout DOT.  The General Counsel is responsible for the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement, and also coordinates the Department's legislative efforts, regulatory program, and involvement in legal proceedings before other agencies, as well as various operational and international legal matters.  The immediate Office of the General Counsel (OGC) includes approximately 90 lawyers, analysts, and administrative professionals.

Most Requested Information

• Regulation and Enforcement
• Air Consumer Protection
• Recent Judicial Decisions
• Honors Attorney Program
• Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution

Chief Counsels' Offices

The General Counsel also provides oversight and support to the Chief Counsel's Offices of the Operating Administrations.  For more information about the Chief Counsel's Offices, please visit the links below:

Federal Aviation Administration
Kathryn B. Thompson, Chief Counsel

Federal Highway Administration
Fred R. Wagner, Chief Counsel

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Scott Darling, Acting Chief Counsel

Federal Railroad Administration
Melissa Porter, Chief Counsel

Federal Transit Administration
Dorval Carter, Chief Counsel

Maritime Administration
Franklin R. Parker, Chief Counsel

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
O. Kevin Vincent, Chief Counsel

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Vanessa Sutherland, Chief Counsel

Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Ellen Partridge, Chief Counsel

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Carrie Mann-Lavigne, Chief Counsel