Governor Tom Corbett’s nominee for Pennsylvania’s next Attorney General was confirmed Monday by the state Senate.

Linda L. Kelly, 61, of Pittsburgh, was nominated by Corbett in February to finish his unexpired term, which ends in January 2013. Corbett resigned as attorney general before becoming governor on Jan. 18.

“I am delighted that the Senate has confirmed Linda Kelly as our new attorney general,’’ Corbett said.

The attorney general is the state’s top law enforcement officer with civil and criminal court responsibilities, as well as consumer protection. The office has about 750 employees with 20 offices across the state.

A prosecutor for more than 30 years, Kelly has served as both an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County and most recently as senior litigation counsel as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

“She is a smart, dedicated, honest prosecutor who knows the law, knows the legal system and knows the needs of the people,’’ Corbett added. “I have known Linda for more than 30 years, and can say from first-hand experience that the enforcement of Pennsylvania’s laws has been placed in steady, reliable and honest
hands.’’