U.S. Department of Homeland Security - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Security levels

Office of Chief Counsel

The Office of Chief Counsel is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s overall lead legal counsel.

Mission

The Office of Chief Counsel provides legal advice on matters related to various functions and responsibilities of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Auxiliary legal officers handle a range of legal issues, ensuring compliance with the Auxiliary Manual and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Legal Officer Responsibilities

The Auxiliary Chief Counsel (ANACO-CC) serves as the legal advisor to the National Commodore (NACO), the Chief Director (CHDIRAUX) and to the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) on all Auxiliary issues and is responsible for all Auxiliary legal matters at the National level. The Auxiliary Office of Chief Counsel also includes a Deputy Chief Counsel (ANACO-CCd) and three Area Assistant Chief Counsels (ACCs).

District Legal Officers (DLOs) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of their District Commodore (DCO) in each District. If a DLO, or DCO, requires assistance regarding an Auxiliary legal matter in their District, they should contact the designated Area Assistant Chief Counsel. If a legal issue involves a National matter or is required by the Auxiliary Manual to be handled at a National level, it should be referred to the Auxiliary Chief Counsel.

Legal related questions?

National Staff should use their chain of leadership and administration to contact the Deputy Chief Counsel concerning legal matters. National leaders should contact the Chief Counsel concerning legal matters.

Unit Standing Rules

As set forth in the Auxiliary Manual, standardized unit Standing Rules are required for all Auxiliary units. Standing Rules templates are referenced on this page. The templates have been approved by the Auxiliary National Board and, with the options selected (filling-in the open areas designated by lines within the parameters set by the Auxiliary Manual), must be affirmed by a two-thirds majority vote of the unit governing body. No Auxiliary unit amendments to the standardized unit Standing Rules are permitted. Appendices to Auxiliary unit Standing Rules concerning matters local in nature may be adopted as addressed in the Auxiliary Manual.

National Legal Officers

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: April 7, 2025