In Episode 4 of Season 5 Jerry Kilgore sits down with Chuck Slemp, who recently joined Cozen O’Connor’s State AG Group, for a peek at the role and responsibilities of a Chief Deputy AG and to find out how his “insider knowledge” informs how he guides clients.
(00:33) Host Jerry introduces the State AG Group’s newest member, Chuck Slemp, former chief deputy attorney general for Attorney General Jason Miyares in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
(02:22) Chuck discusses the key initiatives he worked on while chief deputy in the attorney general’s office, including managing cases, making decisions about whether to initiate an action or stay out, and crafting legal arguments that align with the state’s strategic goals.
(04:35) Jerry asks about what goes into the decision to join a multistate investigation or sign on to a letter and whether to direct it to the federal government or file an amicus brief directed to a court.
(05:08) Chuck reiterates that in any of these situations the AG is always presented with competing factors like ensuring a business friendly environment for the state, adequate representation for citizens and protection for consumers.
(09:20) Jerry asks Chuck’s view on the value of going to the AG or the chief deputy, which is something he gets questions from clients about.
(09:30) Chuck believes in working respectfully with the line attorneys on a case while also keeping senior leadership informed, ensuring open communication in case issues arise. He mentions that during his time in the VA AG’s office, General Miyares was active in NAAG and sent Chuck to a lot of NAAG meetings, allowing him to develop friendships on both sides of the aisle.
(10:48) Jerry asks about the value of amicus briefs and how the chief deputy works with solicitor generals in the office and around the country.
(11:03) Chuck shares his view that having a coalition of states join an amicus brief speaks volumes and is persuasive for the judiciary.
(13:00) Jerry asks Chuck to discuss the UVA tragedy that occurred while he was in the AG’s office.
(13:21) Chuck discusses working with the administration at the University of Virginia to investigate what what happened and the circumstances that led up to the shooting. He had a key role in working with state and federal law enforcement officials to make sure that the perpetrator was brought to justice and prevent a recurrence.
(14:57) Jerry asks Chuck about issues he sees on the horizon for state AGs.
(15:12) Chuck names AI, data privacy and cyberattacks as some of the current challenges and opportunities in the marketplace, and stresses the importance for companies of being prepared to move at a moment’s notice.
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