The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Office of General Counsel (OGC), led by Jason Batlimore, provides legal advice and counsel on all legal matters including construction contracts, service contracts, occupational safety and health matters, employment and labor management and employee relations, environmental issues, new and proposed legislation and interpretation of legislative intent, insurance and liability, and property acquisition management legal issues. The OGC is the supervising ethics office for the AOC and the Botanic Garden, pursuant to 5 U.S.C § 7353 and Title I of the Ethics in Government Act 1978.
Need Assistance?
Contact the Office of General Counsel at 202.225.1210.
Forms & Policies
Tort Claim Form
Standard Form 95 is used to present claims against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act for property damage, personal injury, or death allegedly caused by a federal employee's negligence or wrongful act or omission occurring within the scope of the employee's Federal employment. These claims must be presented to the federal agency whose employee's conduct gave rise to the injury. The Form 95 must be completed and state a claim for money damages in a sum certain amount claimed for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death. If a sum certain is not specified in block 12d on the Form 95 or in accompanying information, a submission cannot be considered to be a valid claim. The completed Form 95 must be presented to the appropriate federal agency within two years after the claim accrues.
To file a claim with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol under the Federal Tort Claims Act, please send the form to:
Architect of the Capitol Office of General Counsel
2nd & D Streets SW, Room H2-265A
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202.225.5927
Touhy Policy
The Touhy Policty governs what action an AOC employee should take if summoned by a court to testify or provide documents in an official capacity in litigation where the AOC is not a party. The order also establishes the General Counsel as the designated agent for service of process on the AOC or on the Architect of the Capitol in his official capacity. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the General Counsel's Office at 202.225.1210.