The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) is headed by the Chief Counsel of NTIA who has full responsibility for the development and administration of the NTIA legal program.

OCC provides legal advice and general counselling to the Administrator, Deputy Administrator and all components of NTIA with regard to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of NTIA and its relationship with other government departments and agencies (particularly, the Federal Communications Commission), Congress, business, industry, and private organizations; and the development and administration of NTIA policies and programs.

OCC prepares and reviews legislative proposals and statements concerning pending legislation or oversight to be made before committees of Congress, and prepares or reviews regulatory proposals and comments before regulatory agencies.

OCC also carries out additional policy development functions with significant legal orientation in coordination with other components of NTIA as the Administrator directs. These activities are carried out subject to the overall authority of the Department's General Counsel.