As told to and adapted for the OGC blog by Cathy Andrade , Chief of Staff to the Deputy General Counsel for Administration Monday 7:42AM: Log on for virtual New Employee Orientation. Spill coffee on shirt. Turn camera off. Get new shirt. 7:45AM: Turn camera back on. Shush my barking dog, who wants to go outside. 8:00AM: Human Resources virtually swears us in as new employees. 8:05AM: Begin...

Whether your interest is in the effects of shipping routes on marine ecosystems, advancements in fire-fighting technology, or ensuring fair trade laws, the Office of the General Counsel provides opportunities for your passions to impact policies. Taking Commerce from a sleepy backwater to economic efficiency In 1921 the Commerce Department was a small, sleepy agency without political influence...

OGC was proud to field a strong team for the 2024 Volo Kickball league. The Kommerce Kickers made a terrific showing this year, going all the way to the playoffs before being taken out by a regular season loss to FDA’s Rompin’ Regulators and a playoff loss to the Black Bandits. There are no hard feelings, of course (well…). Learn more about Commerce and OGC Social sports leagues on the mall have...

Q: What do alligators, Adam Smith, and Robinson Crusoe have in common? A: The Commerce Research Library! The Commerce Research Library is located in the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB) in Washington, DC. The Library provides access to databases, books, training opportunities, and presentations that support the ongoing work of Department employees. The historic Reading Room is a beautiful and...

Here’s a tip that will take you through your whole life: When Elizabeth Liu and Ruby Sheikh and from Georgetown University Law Center invite you to coffee, say yes! I had a blast talking to Elizabeth and Ruby about their work at Georgetown Law’s Office of Public Interest and Community Service . I could have spent hours picking their brains about best practices for new attorney recruitment, the...

Joining the Department of Commerce’s Office of the General Counsel affords lawyers and non-lawyers alike with a view into every corner of the Department’s operations. OGC offers its team the opportunity to become experts in specific areas of trade and commerce law but also affords staff the chance to develop skills outside of their areas of expertise. If you’re like us, making space on your...

Leslie Kiernan was sworn-in today as the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. Last week, Kiernan was confirmed by a voice vote in the Senate. “We are thrilled to have Leslie Kiernan join our world-class team at the Commerce Department as we continue to set a course to build back from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and...