As of April 22, 2021[update], the state's attorney general is John Formella.
Under Part II, Article 46 of the New Hampshire Constitution, the attorney general is appointed by the governor with approval of the Council.
The attorney general and their deputy must be "admitted to the practice of law in New Hampshire" and also "be qualified by reason of education and experience.
In Wyman v. Danais, 101 N.H. 487, (1958), the New Hampshire Supreme Court held: Construed together [RSA 7:6, 7:11 and 7:34] demonstrate a legislative purpose to place ultimate responsibility for criminal law enforcement in the Attorney General, and to give him the power to control, direct and supervise criminal law enforcement by the county attorneys in cases where he deems it in the public interest.The attorney general is required by statute to nominate a deputy[3] and a Director of Administration.
The acting attorney general serves only during such incapacity and is paid a "reasonable compensation for his [or her] services and expenses.
The attorney general is also required to nominate, subject to confirmation by the governor and council, an unclassified director of administration for the Office of Attorney General, within the limits of the appropriation made for the appointment, who shall serve for a 5-year term.