Attorney General Jay Jones has begun his term by directing a review of all ongoing litigation to determine which cases support the interests of Virginians and which actions connected to the Trump administration should be challenged or withdrawn. The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia provides legal counsel and representation to state entities, focusing on public safety, constitutional rights, consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, and victim assistance programs. More information about these services is available on the official website at https://oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases.
Jones issued an opinion confirming the legality of the General Assembly’s redistricting process and reaffirmed his office’s responsibility to defend access to health care. He also took steps aimed at removing political influence from higher education decisions and signaled a renewed commitment to environmental enforcement within state government.
“This office belongs to the people of Virginia. My mission as attorney general is to protect Virginians, defend our Constitution, and ensure that the powers of this office are used to serve the public, not partisan agendas,” said Jones.
He further stated: “Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while Washington puts politics over people. When federal actions threaten Virginians’ rights, health care, or economic security, this office will take action to hold the Trump administration accountable.”
In a separate interview, Jones said: “This office exists to protect people, enforce the law fairly, and make sure justice works for everyone in Virginia. That means standing up for working families, defending our democracy, and making sure no one is above the law.”
Senator Scott Surovell commented on university legal matters: “‘Universities need to be able to rely on solid independent legal advice of counsels of their choosing so they can make decisions not only on the best political interests of the attorney general that happens to be advising them,’ said Surrovel.”
Jones addressed federal challenges regarding in-state tuition laws: “When federal actions threaten Virginians’ rights or undermine long-standing state law, this office will take action. We will not allow Washington to override policies that protect Virginia students and families.”
He added: “The law should be a shield for working families and communities, not a weapon for ideological agendas. Virginians deserve an attorney general who will use the law to protect them, not score political points.”
Upon being sworn in as Virginia’s first Black attorney general, Jones said: “From day one, we are putting Virginians first and using the law to protect their rights and freedoms. That commitment guides every decision we make in this office.”
The Attorney General’s office serves communities across Virginia by offering programs related to consumer protection resources such as identity theft prevention and fraud reporting. It also addresses issues like human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy (https://oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases). The main office is located at 202 North 9th Street in Richmond.
