{"code":"GOV","codeName":"Government Code","section":"12520","citation":"Gov. Code, § 12520","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA [8000. - 22980.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/title-2"},{"name":"DIVISION 3. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT [11000. - 15990.3.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/title-2/division-3"},{"name":"PART 2. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS [12001. - 12790.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/title-2/division-3/part-2"},{"name":"CHAPTER 6. Attorney General [12500. - 12661.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/title-2/division-3/part-2/chapter-6"},{"name":"ARTICLE 2. General Powers and Duties [12510. - 12536.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/title-2/division-3/part-2/chapter-6/article-2"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 626, Sec. 2.   Effective January 1, 2001.","effective":"2001-01-01","html":"<p>(a) The Attorney General may not employ special counsel in any case except pursuant to either of the following:</p><p>(1) Article 3 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/gov/12540\">12540</a>).</p><p>(2) Article 4 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/gov/12550\">12550</a>).</p><p>(b) Subdivision (a) does not affect the right of the Attorney General to employ counsel to represent, or to assist in the representation of, a state agency as defined in Section <a href=\"/gov/11000\">11000</a>, including the Attorney General or the Department of Justice, or to represent a state employee if that representation meets any of the standards set forth in paragraph (3), (5), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of subdivision (b) of Section <a href=\"/gov/19130\">19130</a>.</p>","text":"(a) The Attorney General may not employ special counsel in any case except pursuant to either of the following: (1) Article 3 (commencing with Section 12540). (2) Article 4 (commencing with Section 12550). (b) Subdivision (a) does not affect the right of the Attorney General to employ counsel to represent, or to assist in the representation of, a state agency as defined in Section 11000, including the Attorney General or the Department of Justice, or to represent a state employee if that representation meets any of the standards set forth in paragraph (3), (5), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of subdivision (b) of Section 19130.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/government-code/general-powers-and-duties-12520","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}