District Staff Officer – Legal/Parliamentarian
Francis P. Bigley
DSO-LP 5NR
Nicholas R. Montalto ……………. ADSO-LP Central
Francis P. Bigley …………………… ADSO-LP West
Usual Disclaimer: The Legal Web Page is for informational purposes only. Do not contact the webmaster regarding legal matters. All questions of a legal nature should be directed to the DSO-LP or a member of the Legal Department Staff.
Legal Affairs Department
The District Legal Staff Officer and his staff serve as the General Legal Counsel to the District Commodore and other members of EXCOM and to the District Staff Officers, where such services regard legal matters concerning the Coast Guard Auxiliary. By direction of Fifth Northern’s Commodore, The District Legal Officer is also authorized to assist divisions and flotillas as necessary.
The Legal Affairs Department is responsible for assisting units with the drafting and revision of Standing Rules. The Legal Officer reviews all recommendations made to the District Board with regard to legal implications and consistency with National Auxiliary By-Laws and policies. Members of the office advise and assist in district legal matters concerning pending litigation and matters in which there may be potential litigation. This includes, but is not limited to, claims on behalf of, or against, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and/or the officers or members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in their official capacities. The District Legal Officer conducts such reviews, audits and investigations pertaining to Auxiliary affairs as requested by the District Commodore. The District Legal Officer is responsible for reviewing and approving all contracts and insurance policies pertaining to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, prior to their inception.
Legal Staff Officers are knowledgeable in and prepared to give legal advice pertaining to administrative disenrollment and other administrative actions, Auxiliary organizational structure, Auxiliary election procedures, qualifications for office and certification, policies and regulations pertaining to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, government property, and the use of unit funds and permissible solicitations. Legal officers may provide assistance to individual Auxiliarists in reviewing claims for loss or damages; medical, disability or death benefits; and in other auxiliary related situations in which a conflict of interest will not arise with respect to the District Legal Officer’s duties and obligations to the Auxiliary itself and the Coast Guard.
The “Legal” Staff Position exists only at the District and National Levels, Legal Officers at the Division and Flotilla levels are not authorized.
