Office of the Vermont Attorney General

About the Attorney General’s Office T.J. Donovan Jr. Vermont Attorney General Slider One 1 Thomas J. Donovan Jr. (T.J.) was elected as the 26th Attorney General of the State of Vermont on November 8, 2016. T.J. was born and raised in Burlington, Vermont. T.J. began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, before returning to Vermont to work as a Deputy Chittenden County State’s Attorney. T.J. worked as a criminal defense attorney and a civil litigation lawyer before he was elected Chittenden County State’s Attorney in 2006. T.J. served as State’s Attorney for 10 years. As State’s Attorney, T.J. worked to reduce recidivism and address the causes of criminality. In 2010, T.J. started the Rapid Intervention Community Court, an award winning criminal justice program available to non-violent offenders whose crimes have been driven by addiction or mental illness. As Attorney General, T.J. continues to fight to make Vermont communities healthier, safer and more prosperous. He is committed to providing greater access to justice, fighting to end the opiate epidemic, supporting businesses and protecting consumers, defending the environment and standing up for the civil rights of all Vermonters. T.J. earned a J.D. from Suffolk Law School in 2000 and B.A. from Merrimack College in 1996. Office Overview The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer in the state. They are charged with representing the state in all matters in which the state is a party or has an interest. The office of the Attorney General is dedicated to the protection of the health and safety of all Vermonters. What We Do: ENFORCE laws of the State of Vermont DEFEND State of Vermont laws, policies, employees PROTECT Vermont citizens Our mission is to implement and enforce Vermont’s laws to improve the quality of life for all Vermonters. Whether this means enforcing our criminal laws to keep our cities, towns and homes safe, or vigorously pursuing those who would foul our air, land and water, it is the job of this office to bring the legal resources of the State to bear in a professional, cost-effective and thoughtful manner to protect our citizens. First established by the Vermont Legislature in 1790, the Office of Attorney General has evolved from its one-person operation shortly after the turn of the 20th century to its current status as the State’s largest law firm. We act as legal counsel to all state agencies and to the Legislature. Our staff handles civil and criminal cases in all courts of the state on both the trial and appellate levels. We both defend the state when it is sued and file our own suits to enforce Vermont’s criminal, environmental, consumer protection, civil rights and countless other laws. Major Duties Uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the State of Vermont; Promote and support strong law enforcement; Achieve a higher level of public safety and security by promoting vigorous prosecution of criminals; Protect the public health and safety of Vermonters by supporting alternative criminal justice programs that address the causes of criminality, reduce recidivism and help those with mental health and drug abuse issues get access to treatment; Provide skilled assistance to local prosecutors; Prosecute consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices, and protect Vermonters from fraudulent business activities and scams by educating consumers; Advise state officials and agencies on proper legal compliance; Defend Vermonters’ civil rights; Support local businesses through proactive outreach on how to comply with the law; Provide professional legal representation in all civil proceedings on behalf of the State.