[6][7] The office traces its origins back to the reintroduction of democracy in the British Virgin Islands pursuant to the 1950 general election.

At that time the Legislative Council (as the House of Assembly was then known) had to look to the Attorney General of the Leeward Islands for support.

This was regarded as unsatisfactory and following the 1954 general election Herman Besson was appointed to the title of Legal Assistant to the Legislative Council.

[8] Since 2007 in order to be qualified to be appointed as Attorney General a person must be eligible to be admitted as a lawyer in the British Virgin Islands, and must have not less than 10 years experience practising law.

Three have been Queen's Counsel (although two were appointed to the rank during office), and the remaining 24 have been from the Outer bar or solicitors during their time as Attorney General.