The role of the ACT's first law officer is both demanding and complex, requiring the officeholder to navigate difficult legal terrain and make difficult calls on balancing human rights with law and order.

The position typically goes to politicians with legal experience, something none of the current Labor members possesses.

The only potential newcomer with a legal background is Ginninderra candidate Gordon Ramsay, who is currently in a tight battle for the the electorate's fifth seat with sitting member Chris Bourke.

Even were Mr Ramsay – a corporate lawyer turned Uniting Church minister – to win a seat, it is considered unlikely a new member would be fast-tracked to one of the most senior roles in cabinet.

The only other lawyer in Labor's caucus was Jayson Hinder, who appears to have lost his seat.

The former attorney-general, Simon Corbell, had no formal legal training, and a new member with a similar lack in experience could presumably rely on directorates and advisors for support.

ACT Bar Association president Ken Archer said on Tuesday that "ideally, the government would appoint a lawyer as the attorney-general".

Mr Archer warned against putting an inexperienced member in the role. He feared that an overreliance on bureaucrats would lead to a narrow view of legal issues.

"The bar's view is that the position of attorney-general is a critical one, and it's important that somebody with sufficient seniority is appointed to the position," Mr Archer said.

"Otherwise, in the opinion of the bar, the attorney-general may be subject to a degree of influence from the department that may not do justice to the wide range of views that should be taken into account in deciding questions concerning the introduction of laws that affect all members of the community, but which may hinge upon important civil and political rights."

Greens leader and Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury studied law and has experience in the corrections portfolio, but it remains to be seen whether Labor would allow its attorney-general to come from outside the party. It is also not yet clear that Mr Rattenbury will decide to be part of cabinet again.

Mr Archer noted that Mr Rattenbury had experience in the area, through his role as justice minister.

Long-serving and highly-experienced Magistrate Peter Dingwall said recently that the ACT was not well-served by having an attorney who was not a lawyer.

"I don't think we've been well served by having an attorney who's not even a lawyer," he said.

That was considered a parting shot at Mr Corbell.

Other attorneys-general have taken legal training and experience to the role, including Bernard Collaery, Terry Connolly, Gary Humphries, and Bill Stefaniak. Jon Stanhope also had a law degree.