Legal Services

Attorney General’s Office represents the legal interests of the state, provides legal advice when requested by its clients, engages in litigation on behalf of the state and defends the state when it is sued. The Attorney General is also responsible for the collection of debts owed to the state.

The Attorney General is required to represent all state officers and boards in all suits brought by or against them in connection with their official duties. The Attorney General’s Office is also required to represent and defend state officers or their employees in any civil action instituted against that officer or employee. All expenses and court costs, including compensation of special counsel, must be paid by the agency. The Attorney General serves as legal counsel for state agencies that hold license suspension or revocation hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act. Lawyers with the Attorney General’s Office appear frequently on behalf of the state in courtrooms across Ohio.