Some state entities are authorized by law to have their own legal departments or may choose to retain private attorneys for specific cases or matters. These in-house and private attorneys are appointed as Special Assistant Attorneys General (SAAG) by the Attorney General but are not employees of the Office of Attorney General. (N.D.C.C. Section 54-12-08.) The SAAGs are paid by the state agency that hired them.
Requesting a SAAG:
To request a SAAG appointment, please complete this online application:
After the application has been submitted, you will be contacted to provide the following additional documentation to the Attorney General’s Office before the appointment is approved:
- Proof of insurance covering the SAAG’s professional errors, omissions, or negligent acts with limits of not less than $2M/claim and $4M/aggregate, unless a different coverage amount has been pre-approved by the Chief Deputy for a specific appointment.
- A Certificate of Good Standing from the SAAG’s state bar association or other appropriate licensing authority if they are outside the State of North Dakota.
Please review the information contained in the following links for additional guidance:
Monthly SAAG Reporting:
The state agency must report each month the amount of legal fees and costs paid to the private attorneys.
Report of Expenditures (SFN 60451)
- This form is submitted monthly by a state agency, board, or commission, to report fees and expenses paid in the previous month for services provided by a Special Assistant Attorney General.
- Email the completed form to agosaagreports@nd.gov.