The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is an independent legal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OGC provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of Agriculture and to all other officials and agencies of the Department with respect to all USDA programs and activities. All legal services are centralized within OGC and the General Counsel reports directly to the Secretary.
The General Counsel is the chief law officer of USDA and is responsible for providing legal services for all programs, operations, and activities of USDA. Two Deputy General Counsels, five Associate General Counsels, and four Regional Attorneys assist the General Counsel in managing the work of the office. A Senior Counselor also provides assistance in the Immediate Office of the General Counsel.