Legal Counsel Division

The Legal Counsel Division provides legal advice to the Mayor, the Attorney General, the Council of the District of Columbia, department and agency heads and the District of Columbia Courts. The Division also reviews and sometimes drafts legislation, rules, Mayor’s Orders and agreements to help ensure that they comply with relevant laws. From time to time, the Division is asked to prepare legislation, agreements, and new rules. The Division reviews each bill passed by Council and advises the Mayor about whether it complies with law.

The Legal Counsel Division supports the Attorney General and OAG by preparing opinions, legal memoranda, letters, agreements, Office Orders and other documents for the Attorney General's signature. Attorneys in the Division represent OAG in intergovernmental and multijurisdictional meetings and negotiations, as requested.

Office of Privacy and Confidentiality

LCD houses the District’s Office of Privacy and Confidentiality (OPC) established for sustained compliance with, among other things, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA). OPC serves as the District’s single point of contact for HIPAA privacy and security; oversees HIPAA operations for certain agencies, coordinates the District’s privacy and security officers; receives and resolves privacy and security complaints from the public and employees; monitors and reports on interpretations of HIPAA regulations; and conduct independent investigations for corrective action.