The 2024 Governors’ Legal Counsel Convening was held on September 26-27 in Burlington, Vermont. Hosted by the National Governors Association, the event brought together Governors’ chief legal counsel, general counsel, and deputy legal counsel to discuss a variety of legal and policy issues, hear from national legal experts, and share best practices.
Over 70 representatives from 34 states and territories attended the convening. Topics of discussion included:
- Gubernatorial powers and responsibilities;
- Harnessing executive authorities;
- Separation of powers;
- Advising the Governor on First Amendment activities;
- Gubernatorial transition planning;
- Public records laws;
- Regulating artificial intelligence; and
- Ethics and compliance policies.
Participants also discussed the unique role of the Governors’ legal counsel, and other topics related to counsel’s responsibility to provide legal advice to their Governors and their role in helping lead and manage the Governor’s administration.
Governor Phil Scott opened the meeting and welcomed participants to Vermont. The meeting included a number of discussion-based plenary sessions, including a session moderated by former Vermont Attorney General Susanne Young. Rodney Smolla, President of the Vermont Law & Graduate School, also shared strategies for assessing legal risks during a session on advising Governors on issues related to First Amendment activities. Attending counsel served as both presenters and discussants during the convening.
For more information, please reach out to Lauren Dedon (Ldedon@nga.org).
