Topeka ? Kansas University law professor Stephen McAllister will serve as the solicitor general for the state, Attorney General Paul Morrison announced Wednesday.

“Stephen McAllister’s knowledge and expertise will serve Kansas well as we continue to litigate complex constitutional questions of importance to Kansans,” Morrison said.

Morrison said the solicitor general unit would help the office in the state’s appellate work and assist local county and district attorneys.

McAllister will serve the attorney general’s office on a contractual basis. Jared Maag will serve as deputy solicitor general, and Kris Ailslieger as assistant solicitor general.

McAllister has clerked in the U.S. Supreme Court, and was dean of the KU law school from 2000 to 2005.