Each state, territory and commonwealth in the US employs an attorney general as their chief legal officer to act as legal advisors to state government agencies and legislatures while serving to represent public interests.
Attorney generals all share one common thread – private law experience. While many AGs also possess military or other public service experience, most AGs were previously lawyers in private practice prior to being appointed AGs.
State by State
Attorneys general of all 50 states, DC and territories serve as legal officers and advisors to state government agencies and legislatures, while acting in the public interest. Their main duties include prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of victims while filing civil suits on their state’s behalf and overseeing 49 professional licensing boards that regulate over 750,000 individuals.
Attorneys general serve as conduits for federal grants and oversee statewide law enforcement initiatives, such as supporting crime prevention programs and providing forensic science services. Furthermore, they assist local law enforcement by offering resources such as identification services, telecom and narcotics coordination; strengthening their ability to combat crime and protect communities.
Military Experience
Many state attorneys general across the nation possess military backgrounds, particularly in states that created their offices during periods of war or conflict.
Attorneys general can use their extensive civil and criminal law powers to defend the citizens of their state. Working closely with both sworn and unsworn staff, their three divisions include public protection, civil law and criminal law.
State attorneys general in America are elected for four-year terms, though some may be appointed to fill vacancies or serve shorter tenures. Overall, there is an even partisan balance across their offices. Republicans occupy six of the thirty-two state attorney general positions while Democrats hold five. Overall, most current state attorneys general possess extensive private legal experience. However, some AGs have also served in the military or been members of Congress. Slade Gorton served from 1969-1980 and was actively engaged with human rights issues while cycling coast to coast in 1973 as well as continuing his predecessor’s vigorous enforcement of consumer protection actions during his time as AG.
Private Law Experience
Attorney General (AG) duties encompass overseeing civil litigation, prosecuting criminal cases in cooperation with the Solicitor General (SG), investigating federal matters pertaining to corruption or fraud, certifying national elections, serving on the Justice Department board of directors and providing legal advice to other state government branches and agencies. AGs serve as legal advisors as well.
Numerous state attorneys general have also represented their states before the United States Supreme Court, such as William C. Jones of Washington who successfully argued four cases before this body during his term; one such battle involved whether the Northern Pacific Railroad should adhere to intrastate rates set by North Dakota or federal interstate rates.
Other AGs have also been active in Court. Christine Gregoire played an instrumental role in negotiating Washingtonians’ landmark tobacco settlement agreement that not only returned $97.5 million but banned tobacco companies from targeting youth with advertising or selling items that act as billboards for their product.
Education
Attorney generals serve the public interest by upholding state and federal interests at both levels. As part of this role, they engage in rulemaking processes, testify at hearings, propose legislation, launch investigations and sue government entities when necessary.
New York Attorney General Letitia James used her first term to defend the right of women to access lifesaving reproductive healthcare, taking legal action against individuals or companies that broke state laws or workplace protection measures, such as ghost guns in communities. She helped remove thousands from communities while successfully sueing opioid manufacturers for their role in this deadly epidemic.
Education requirements for attorneys general vary by state and jurisdiction, with most states mandating at least a bachelor’s degree and law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited university as minimum requirements for bar membership and selection purposes. Common undergraduate fields of study for this profession may include political science, history or legal studies.
