Attorney General Alliance

State attorneys general are on the front lines of the battle against opioid trafficking and abuse. From legal actions to equipping first responders and community leaders, AGs are using every tool available to protect their states.? ? As part of the fight, AGA was proud to partner with HarborPath to provide?free doses of naloxone?to meeting attendees—an act that represents more than a life-saving medication. It reflects the power of partnership in the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis.?This partnership with HarborPath underscores how much more we can accomplish when public officials and nonprofit organizations work together. ? Ken Trogdon, President of HarborPath, joined our panel discussion?"Fighting Fentanyl,"?moderated by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Alongside Chuck Slemp, then-Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia, and Jon Pullen of the DEA, the panel focused on the devastating impact of illicit fentanyl and the need for aggressive, multi-jurisdictional strategies to address this deadly epidemic. ? Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18–45. It’s cheap, potent, and unforgiving. But with partnerships like this—and with bipartisan leadership from state AGs across the country—we’re fighting back with determination, compassion, and innovation.

Since 2016, the Attorney General Alliance’s Africa program has worked to promote the rule of law through training, collaboration, and direct engagement across the continent. What began with a single convening in Pretoria has grown into a robust platform for addressing transnational crime and advancing the mission of AGA’s Rule of Law International Program. Through the Africa Alliance Partnership, AGA has hosted trainings in nearly a dozen countries on a range of pressing legal and policy challenges, including: ?? Oral Advocacy Skills Workshop – December 2016 ?? Advanced Trial Advocacy Workshop – May 2017 ?? Investigating and Prosecuting Transnational Organized Crimes Workshop – July 2019 ?? Tackling Organized Crime through Financial Investigation & Prosecution Webinar – October 2020 ?? Crypto Assets and Emerging Trends Webinar – May 2021 ?? Producing Strategic Intelligence Webinar – October 2021 ?? Illegal Wildlife Trade Webinar – July 2021 ?? Countering the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Southern Africa Workshop – August 2022 ?? Public Private and Public-Public Partnerships Webinar – February 2022 ?? Asset Forfeiture and Mutual Legal Assistance Workshop – March 2022 ?? Oral Advocacy Skills Workshop – July 2022 ?? Countering Transnational Organized Crime – March 2023 ?? Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop – October 2023 ?? Rule of Law International Program – November 2023 ?? Books for Africa program – November 2024 and February 2025 These programs create a powerful dialogue between prosecutors, regulators, law enforcement, and attorneys general. AGA and African delegates have participated in an important conversation on the illicit trade of endangered species — an organized crime issue that intersects with drug and human trafficking, as well as terrorism. A delegation which included not only AGs, but representatives from US local law enforcement and prosecutorial offices. AGA has spent time in South African agricultural communities. In a region where over 70% of the rural population relies on farming, these discussions underscored the connection between sustainability, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience. For AGs from western states, where water scarcity and climate matters loom large, the relevance was immediate and clear. Cybercrime has become a global threat, with U.S. consumers increasingly targeted by scams and fraud schemes originating from criminal networks based in Africa. Addressing this challenge is another element of AGA’s engagement, which equips investigators and prosecutors with the tools to detect, disrupt, and prosecute cyber-enabled crimes that cross borders and victimize people around the world. As transnational crime evolves and global challenges become more interconnected, AGA remains committed to fostering international cooperation, strengthening institutions, and advancing the fair and equal application of the law — everywhere we work.

At this year’s WGCN (Women's General Counsel Network) conference, AGA Executive Director Karen White shared insights into how—and why—the Attorney General Alliance fosters collaboration in such a polarized world. Karen often says that positive intent is the foundation of AGA’s approach, and it’s a mindset that has defined our work since the beginning. From consumer protection to global rule-of-law programs, AGA has emphasized the value of personal relationships, mutual respect, and civil dialogue—even when views differ. As Karen recently told PBS Books: “The way you speak with people and the opportunities you give them to feel seen and heard allows for a level of respect that has become our culture.” https://lnkd.in/gAQyS6uw That belief—combined with the analytical, professional, and ethical rigor attorneys general bring to the table—makes AGA a uniquely powerful space for progress. We’re proud to be part of the solution, alongside our members and partners.

State attorneys general are on the front lines of a rapidly evolving cannabis policy landscape—where public safety, health regulation, and law enforcement must keep pace with legal and scientific developments…all complicated by the discrepancies between state and federal law. That’s why the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law’s Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Law and Policy, developed in partnership with?AGA, is such a critical resource. This innovative online program equips attorneys general staff, government attorneys, and others needing a deep foundation in cannabis regulation—from criminal law to public health to interstate commerce. It reflects the kind of forward-thinking education that public servants need to navigate one of the most complex and fast-moving areas of law today. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/gbppc3DN Complementing this educational foundation is?AGA’s Cannabis Project, which brings together assistant attorneys general from across the country to actively collaborate on best practices, support state-level policymaking, and assist in regulatory implementation. The cornerstone of this work is the?Cannabis Law Deskbook, published with Thomson Reuters Legal Solutions —a practical and evolving tool for regulators and law enforcement navigating a fragmented legal landscape. As we see an alarming rise in the use of illicit and synthetic THC products—many of which fall into gray or unregulated areas—this work becomes even more vital. The collaboration between academia and state attorneys general helps ensure that law and policy keep pace with public health and safety needs. This is how real progress happens: thoughtful education, strong intergovernmental collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting communities.

This month, through our Rule of Law International Program, AGA sponsored two new law libraries: one for the High Court of Malawi in Lilongwe and one for the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice in Sierra Leone. These libraries are continuations of a larger milestone reached last November: Books For Africa’s 150th law and human rights library sent to Africa, reflecting years of work to equip courts, ministries, and law schools with the resources they need to administer justice effectively. https://lnkd.in/gSUuf7zT For countries striving to modernize their legal systems, access to up-to-date legal texts is more than symbolic—it’s essential. These materials support local judges, prosecutors, and legal scholars in developing sound jurisprudence and fair governance. But they also help build a foundation for international cooperation. In a world where crime increasingly crosses borders—whether through cybercrime, human trafficking, financial fraud, or wildlife trafficking—strengthening judicial systems abroad is critical to protecting communities at home. AGA’s work to foster relationships and professional networks among attorneys general and prosecutors around the globe helps create a united front against transnational criminal organizations. Together, we are not just delivering books—we’re investing in people, institutions, and partnerships that will sustain the rule of law for generations.

As Keynote Speaker for the recent Women’s Empowerment Summit, Former Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa shared wisdom that stays with you long after the meeting ends. She shared the three questions she asked her team before making any policy decision: “What is the law? What is the ‘right’ thing to do? And are you prepared to do the same thing with all who are similarly situated?” Simple, direct, and exactly the kind of leadership filter we all could use. She encouraged everyone to stop complaining unless we’re willing to work toward change. She even slipped in a great book recommendation: "Four Thousand Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman, a reminder to spend our time with intention. It was the perfect way to start the session and also the perfect way to start our week:?with honest conversations, real connection, and serious inspiration.

At the WGCN (Women's General Counsel Network) conference, AGA Executive Director Karen White spoke about what happens when leaders come together with shared purpose—regardless of political party. Reflecting on AGA’s bipartisan delegation of attorneys general to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day the summer of 2024, we’re reminded that unity is not about uniformity—it’s about shared values and commitment. For AGA, that same spirit of cooperation drove major initiatives across our initiatives: tackling human trafficking, fighting organized retail crime, and confronting AI-driven threats to our communities. From bipartisan legislative efforts to public-private task forces, the message is clear: when we engage with respect, when we listen across lines, we move the needle for real-world impact. Thanks, Karen, for highlighting that truth on the WGCN stage—and for her tireless commitment to fostering dialogue that drives change.

Thank you Claudia Regen for bringing us the session, "Inside the AG's Office: Enforcement, Regulation & Corporate Impact" and masterfully moderating it. Karen White, J.D., Beatrice Strnad and Katie Spohn were full of wisdom and practical nuggets: building relationships and trust with state AGs before they come aknockin', who knew there was such a thing as an AG whisperer, and the AG's enforcement authority can help your company with scams and takedown requests?

I learned so much from this session! Special thanks to Claudia Regen for her vision in creating this session and to Karen White, J.D., Beatrice Strnad, Katie Spohn and Tegan White for their Herculean efforts to present at our conference, including extreme weather conditions and injuries!

AGA was proud to have Executive Director Karen White speak at this year’s WGCN (Women's General Counsel Network) conference about the importance of building meaningful, long-term relationships between constituents, the private sector, nonprofits, academia, and state attorneys general. As Karen shared during the panel, the best time to build trust isn’t when a crisis hits—it’s before. When there’s no issue on the table, no immediate ask—just a genuine opportunity to connect, listen, and learn. That kind of engagement lays the foundation for real collaboration when challenges do arise. We’ve seen that dynamic at work across AGA’s programming—from our Mental Health Training Initiative to combating organized retail crime and cybercrime. None of it would be possible without the strength of bipartisan cooperation and the support of both public and private partners. There’s tremendous power in showing up during the quiet moments. That’s when trust is built—and that’s how real progress begins.