Learn about the Attorney General's Government Bureau

The Government Bureau represents Massachusetts, the state’s agencies, and public officials in many types of civil litigation. The Government Bureau also initiates affirmative litigation in the public interest on behalf of Massachusetts and its residents.

Guidance on Serving Time-Sensitive Initial Pleadings, Complaints, and Summonses in Cases Against State Agencies or Officials on the Attorney General’s Office During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Advisory Period

Divisions within the Government Bureau include:

The Administrative Law Division

The Administrative Law Division protects the public interest by representing state agencies and state officials in certain cases of civil litigation. The division defends against legal challenges to state statutes, regulations, policies, programs, and agency decisions, and brings litigation on behalf of state agencies on matters such as statutory interpretation, constitutional principles, and claims of authority and jurisdiction.

• 2012 Manual: Conducting Admin. Adjudicatory Proceedings
• Massachusetts Superior Court Standing Order 1-96
• Requirements for Service of Process in Suits Against the Commonwealth: Mass. Rules of Civil Procedure 4(d)(3)
• Requirement to Notify Attorney General of Challenge to State Statutes: Mass. Rules of Civil Procedure 24(d)

The Division of Open Government

The Division of Open Government upholds the Open Meeting Law. The Open Meeting Law requires that most meetings of public bodies be held in public.

The Trial Division

The Trial Division defends state agencies, officials, and employees who are sued in the context of their agency duties. The division also protects the public interest by filing litigation on behalf of state agencies. As required by statute, the Trial Division reviews and approves all pre-litigation settlements of tort claims against the state or its agencies of $2,500 or more.

If you have questions or would like to file a suit, please call [phone].

The Municipal Law Unit

The Municipal Law Unit is responsible for reviewing proposed amendments to town general by-laws or zoning by-laws. The Municipal Law Unit must review the proposed amendments to make sure they are consistent with state law, and accordingly issue approval or disapproval.

The Neighborhood Renewal Division

The Neighborhood Renewal Division uses the enforcement authority of the State Sanitary Code to turn abandoned residential properties around. Working in close partnership with cities and towns, the AG's Office seeks out delinquent property owners and encourages them to voluntarily repair their properties and make them secure. If owners refuse, then the office's attorneys will petition the relevant court to appoint a receiver to bring the property up to code.