Meet the Deputy Inspector General

Nicole Murley

Nicole N. Murley joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General in May 2021, as Senior Counsel to the Inspector General. As Deputy Inspector General, Ms. Murley provides advice to the Inspector General and assists in managing day-to-day operations of the office’s oversight work. Ms. Murley overseas the audits, evaluations, and investigations functions of the Office of Inspector General.

Ms. Murley previously served at the U.S. Department of Justice for 15 years, most recently as Senior Litigation Counsel, with the Office of Immigration Litigation in the Civil Division, litigating some of the most complicated cases involving national immigration policies. Ms. Murley represented multiple client agencies in high-profile litigation and worked in an investigative capacity to develop cases, working closely with her client agencies to reconcile many different—often competing—viewpoints and interests. In 2010 through 2012, she served in the DOJ’s Federal Programs Branch where she litigated cases involving the policies and actions of client agencies related to national security matters.

While at DOJ, Ms. Murley participated in the Diversity Dialogue and Inclusion Program (DIDP). DIDP’s purpose is to facilitate a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion issues among employees.  Her litigation practice extends beyond work with the DOJ to include pro bono work, where she served as a Guardian ad Litem. She is the proud recipient of the Civil Division John W. Douglas award for Pro Bono Service.

Ms. Murley holds a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and a B.A. from Colgate University. She is admitted to practice law in New York State.