Great Lakes Wire

After more than fifty years of service, Assistant Attorney General George Elworth has retired from the Michigan Department of Attorney General. His career spanned over five decades, beginning in 1974, and his departure was announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

“For more than five decades, George’s service to the State of Michigan has been invaluable,” Nessel stated. “His impact is evident in the laws, ordinances, and charters that continue to guide the work of our state and local communities. George will be deeply missed, and I congratulate him as he begins this next chapter.”

Elworth's academic background includes a degree from Stanford University and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Before joining the department, he worked with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society under a Reginald Heber Smith Legal Services Fellowship and spent four years at Lord, Bissell, and Brook in Chicago. His military service includes active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve (Quartermaster Corps) from 1964 to 1966, during which he was stationed in South Korea and Colorado Springs.

Throughout his tenure at the Department of Attorney General, Elworth contributed to various divisions such as Military Affairs, Finance, and State Operations. His work included reviewing city and village charters and amendments as well as evaluating ballot language for proposals across Michigan communities. Additionally, he served on the Attorney General’s Opinion Review Board where his expertise in local government proved crucial for addressing issues like office incompatibility and local smoking-ban ordinances.