The powers of the attorney general are largely defined in chapters 15.25 and 165.015 of the Wisconsin statutes. Chapter 15.25 establishes the
Wisconsin Department of Justice and assigns the attorney general as the head of that department. Chapter 165.015 defines the primary powers and duties of the attorney general, but other powers and duties of the attorney general can be found throughout chapter 165. Under current law, the attorney general is the chief law officer of the state of Wisconsin, and amongst other duties has charge and conduct for the state of all suits instituted for and against the government of Wisconsin, certifies all bonds issued by the state, protects the School Trust Funds managed by the
Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, and provides written opinions on questions of law to either house of the
Wisconsin Legislature or the head of any state agency. In accordance with Article X, Section 7, of the Wisconsin Constitution, the attorney general is also a member of the
Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands; the same is also a member of, or designates members to, the Claims Board, Crime Victims Rights Board, Group Insurance Board, Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions, Judicial Council, Law Enforcement Standards Board, Public Records Board, and the Board of Directors of the state Insurance Security Fund. ==List of attorneys general of Wisconsin==