The Office of State Attorney is established by an Act No. 51/1985, which entered into force on January 1, 1986. The Attorney General is under the authority of the Government Council and is appointed by the Prime Minister for a five-year term.

The main tasks of the office are the administration of judicial affairs for the State and its institutions. This consists mainly of defence of civil cases before the courts and, as the case may be, arbitration. The State Attorney shall also handle the prosecution of cases brought by the State against others.

The State Attorney is also responsible for the settlement of claims made to the State which are directed at the State and, in addition, ministers may request his legal opinion on individual issues and assistance with negotiating difficulties.

Outside the scope of the profession of State Attorney there are court cases involving state-owned banks or investment-lending funds. Furthermore, court proceedings for the collection of public dues, holiday funds, business debt or similar claims, unless the Minister concerned requests the assistance of the State Attorney in handling individual cases. The same applies to matters which are brought before the wage council.

In addition to the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the State Counsellor may assign individual cases handled by the Office, provided that they meet the legal requirements for pleading such cases. The office currently consists of six lawyers, as well as a state lawyer. The State Counsellor may furthermore entrust the handling of individual cases to Supreme Court or District Court lawyers outside the office, after obtaining the approval of the government institution involved.