Role and Purpose

The Chief Counsel provides legal counsel and advice for all MARAD legal matters and serves as a member of the Maritime Subsidy Board.

Major Activities

The Chief Counsel works directly for the Maritime Administrator.

The Chief Counsel's job includes the following major activities:

Provides legal advice to the Administrator on legal implications and consequences of actions proposed or taken;

Provides legal representation for the Maritime Administration;

Furnishes legal advice and opinions to MARAD officials;

Negotiates and settles or recommends settlement of claims in admiralty, just compensation, tort, and other claims referred for litigation;

Gives legal clearance to applications for Government aid and other program determinations;

Provides legal services for administration of MARAD programs and for buying, using and disposing of property;

Prepares drafts of proposed maritime legislation, executive orders, and legislative reports to congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget, and other Federal agencies; and

Assists the Justice Department in the trial, appeal, and settlement of litigation involving MARAD, and represents MARAD before Federal, state, and local courts and before administrative agencies of the Government, with the authorization of the Justice Department.

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