Buckingham assigned Deputy Attorney General Joe Taijeron to determine how many public attorneys are working for different government offices and whether they work as assistant attorneys general or as legal advisors.
Buckingham said his goal is to provide legal training to the personnel of the AG’s Office as well as provide them with competitive salaries.
Asked how many government lawyers are on board, he said: “Frankly, we’re still gathering information.”
He said they have passed out survey forms to different public offices to assess and determine their need for legal assistance.
Taijeron, a former prosecutor and legal counsel for the House of Representatives, said his role is mainly focused on administrative laws.
“My role is to ensure that the commonwealth is adequately represented. I will handle administrative matters primarily,” he said.
Buckingham noted Taijeron’s experience as prosecutor and House counsel.
“I was very fortunate that we received support from the administration and approval from the Legislature to have him [Taijeron] on board…. He’s going to be an asset to the Attorney General’s Office,” said the AG.
Former Deputy Attorney General Gregory Baka, who served as the CNMI’s acting AG for 11 months, moved to the Criminal Division and will also serve as counsel to the Department of Public Safety.
