The
General Counsel Litigation Database (GCLD) is a secure, cloud-based case management system developed to support NOAA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) in managing and tracking litigation matters involving the agency. Its core purpose is to centralize legal case data, facilitate effective legal analysis, and enable coordinated responses to inquiries from Congress, the White House, fisheries councils, and other government entities.
Key functions of GCLD include:- Litigation Management: Tracks a wide range of legal matters including environmental litigation, employment actions, enforcement cases, and property disputes.
- Case Support: Assists NOAA attorneys and paralegals with legal research, document preparation, and client communication.
- Legal Analytics: Leverages AI-powered tools to generate insights that inform legal strategy and risk assessment.
- Centralized Access: Offers quick, streamlined access to case information, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
- Collaboration & Compliance: Facilitates coordination across NOAA’s legal teams while ensuring compliance with legal standards and safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Data Quality & Governance: Emphasizes the importance of accurate, consistent data to support effective litigation strategy, e-discovery, and compliance with federal legal requirements.
The GCLD plays a critical role in strengthening NOAA’s legal operations, promoting data-driven decision-making, and supporting NOAA’s mission through efficient, well-informed litigation support.