The Office of the General Counsel (GC) advises, assists, and represents the National Transportation Safety Board in support of its activities. As the legal advisor to the NTSB, it has responsibility for determining legal policy for the agency.
The GC provides responsive legal support to NTSB programs and activities to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the NTSB under Federal law and regulation. The GC ensures NTSB activities are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and enforces the statutory prohibitions against the use of certain NTSB products in civil litigation. It also ensures the independence of the NTSB's investigation process by preventing outside organizations and individuals from imposing unjustified demands on investigative personnel's time.
The Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO), who administers the NTSB Ethics Program pursuant to the Ethics in Government Act and Standards of Conduct on behalf of the Chairman of the NTSB, is located in and supported by the Office of General Counsel. The NTSB Ethics Officials in the Office of General Counsel manage and oversee the financial disclosure report program, training, and provision of advice.
