The 2025 Governors’ Legal Counsel Convening was held on June 25-27 in Coronado, California. 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 60 representatives from 34 states and territories attended the convening. Topics of discussion included:
- Gubernatorial powers and responsibilities;
- Executive authorities and separation of powers conflicts;
- The state’s role in regulating digital technologies;
- Assessing legal risks associated with artificial intelligence;
- Advising the Governor in a shifting federal landscape;
- Managing complex litigation;
- Executive branch fiscal oversight; and
- Developing 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.
California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed participants with opening video remarks. The meeting featured several discussion-based plenary sessions, including a session moderated by former California Legal Affairs Secretary Ann Patterson. Professor John Villasenor, founder and director of UCLA’s Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy, also shared strategies for state governments navigating emerging technologies and evolving legal frameworks. Attending counsel served as both presenters and discussants during the convening.
For more information, please reach out to Lauren Dedon (Ldedon@nga.org).
