Pursuant to the Constitution of Maine (Article IX, Section 11), the Attorney General is chosen biennially at
the first session of the Legislature by ballot of senators and representatives in joint convention. In the case
of a vacancy when the Legislature is not in session, the Governor may fill the office by appointment, subject to
confirmation by the Legislature. The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State and possesses wide-ranging
powers to institute, conduct and maintain actions necessary for the protection of public order and individual rights.
Certain specific duties of the Attorney General are set out in 5 MRSA chapter 9 and include appearing on behalf
of the State in all civil actions in which the State is a party or interested. A few state, such as the Finance
Authority of Maine and the Public Utilities Commission agencies have their own attorneys on staff and do not generally
rely on the services of the Attorney General. While the Legislature has attorneys on its nonpartisan staff who
provide legal analysis and, under certain circumstances, legal opinions, legislators may also seek opinions from
the Attorney General on issues raised by legislation.