Office of Counsel handles all legal issues having to do with Southwestern Division's civil works and military projects. Counsel defends the government's interests in lawsuits or claims filed in a court of law or before an administrative board or agency such as Court of Federal Claims, U. S. District Courts, GAO, MSPB, EEOC, or Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. Counsel responds to subpoenas, garnishment actions, and requests for witnesses pertaining to our employees and documents. In addition this office processes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests for documents or records located within our division offices, including our Human Resources office. Division counsel is also the denial authority for FOIA requests for the division and its four districts. Counsel is the deciding authority for agency-level procurement bid protests and procurement Mistake in Bid requests.
By direction of the Judge Advocate General, the Office of Counsel does not provide legal services to military personnel assigned to Southwestern Division Office. Legal services may be obtained from an active duty or reserve Judge Advocate.
Division Counsel is the primary point of contact for Ethics, Contracts, Civil Works, Litigation, Fiscal Law, Torts & Non-Contractual Claims, and Admiralty.
Deputy Division Counsel’s primary duties are serving as Counsel to USACE Regional Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting (PARC) and the Deputy PARC for Execution – SWD, both located at SWD, Ethics Counsel, and assisting Division Counsel in managing the provision of all legal services in Southwestern Division.
Civil Works Attorney – Advisor serves as the Division Labor Counselor, is the primary point of contact for Personnel/Labor matters, and is a contact in the areas of Civil Works, Litigation, Fiscal Law and Torts.
Real Estate Attorney – Advisor is the primary point of contact for Real Estate, and a contact for Civil Works, Freedom of Information Act, and Privacy Act issues.
Paralegal Specialist provides legal and administrative support in all areas to the office, is the Freedom of Information Act Officer, and a notary public.
Office of Counsel main phone number: (469) 487-7011