A Brief Introduction to the World of State Attorneys General

In this video, Professor James E. Tierney, former Attorney General of Maine, provides an introduction to the office of state attorneys general. His remarks are directed to lawyers and non-lawyers interested in the history, culture, jurisdiction and operations of state attorneys general offices (20:16).

Text: A Brief Introduction to the World of State Attorneys General (PDF). 

UPDATED (VIDEO & TEXT): January, 2024

State Attorney General's Office Organization Chart

Generic Organizational Chart of a typical State Attorney General’s Office (click above to open/download as a PDF).

On Aug 13, 2009 the late Honorable Stephen Merrill, the former Governor of New Hampshire (1993 to 1997) and Attorney General of New Hampshire (1984-1989), delivered this concise description of the Role of the Attorney General.

National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School

Video Resources

Guest Speaker Series (2009)
National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School

The National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School was privileged to host a series of guest speakers in 2009 who reflected on their time in government service. Their talks were recorded on video and are linked to below.

The observations of these individuals, including their call to serve the public interest, continue to resonate and stand today as examples of government service at its very best.

  • Robert Abrams, Attorney General of New York (1979 - 1993)

  • Steve Bullock, Governor (2012 - 2020) and Attorney General of Montana (2009 - 2012)

  • Peter Harvey, Attorney General of New Jersey (2003 - 2006)

  • Bill Marshall, Deputy White House Counsel (1999 - 2001); Ohio Solicitor General (2007 - 2008); Special Assistant Attorney General, Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (1977 - 1981).

  • Stephen Merrill, Governor (1993 - 1997) and Attorney General of New Hampshire (1984 - 1989)

  • Grant Woods, Attorney General of Arizona (1991 - 1999)

Many thanks to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) for continuing to host these important testimonies.