The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) provides internal and external customers independent legal counsel and business advice on a myriad of areas including, but not limited to, general civil law, general intellectual property law, financial assistance, government ethics, environmental law, human resources, and real property law.  OCC is also responsible for matters pertaining to the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and portions of the Energy Employees’ Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. OCC provides legal advice on litigation, personnel security hearings, and employment law matters before the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and Merit Systems Protection Board.