The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) is a legal office separate from the Office of the General Counsel. It is composed of more than 15 dedicated attorneys and staff members who specialize in investigating, evaluating and resolving legal disputes. Legal issues that come before the Department of Energy (DOE) often involve discrete disputes between individuals and the agency or its contractors. DOE recognizes that such matters can sometimes be resolved most fairly and efficiently in a quasi-judicial forum. OHA holds personnel security hearings and handles FOIA appeals, whistleblower hearings and appeals, product efficiency appeals and other legal matters. Due to OHA’s independent nature and the skill set of its staff, OHA also serves as the home of the DOE’s ADR Office.
