The Alaska Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the government of the State of Alaska and to its governor. The Attorney General is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. The position has existed since the early days of the Territory of Alaska, though it was an elected rather than an appointed position prior to statehood. The Attorney General also serves as the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Law, and is the only commissioner of a principal department of Alaska state government not referred to as "Commissioner" in normal usage. As of June 29, 2016 the position of Alaska Attorney General is currently vacant. Alaska Governor Bill Walker nominated Anchorage attorney Jahna Lindemuth to fill the position on June 28, 2016.