I’ve been interning along with Alex Uballez and a few other CLS 1Ls with Jim Tierney at Columbia’s National State Attorneys General Program. We’ve hosted a number of former state AGs including Peter Harvey (NJ), Steve Merrill (MT), and Grant Woods (AZ). Each referenced the satisfaction he derived from wearing the “white hat” and advocating on behalf of the public.

Some of the accomplishments they achieved while in office include: (1) dedicating settlement funds to the establishment of forensics labs which allowed rape cases to be successfully prosecuted without victim testimony; (2) terminating racial profiling and redlining practices; (3) multi-state tobacco litigation; (4) enjoining misuse of charitable assets in higher education, (5) convincing federal officials to utilize local law enforcement in illegal immigration matters (since to do so would deter illegal aliens from contacting police regarding criminal victimizations). These achievements stand as concrete examples of the meaningful change one can effect as a state agent.

Unlike the DA or USAO office, the Office of the Attorney General affords a considerable amount of discretion to its AAGs both in cases and practice area. The Chief Deputy, the highest appointed attorney within the office, may be the ultimate generalist. Though the quality of state AG offices vary, I would strongly consider this option and contact Jim Tierney if interested.

-- JasonLissy - 09 Jul 2009