How Many Attorney Generals in the United States
Attorney generals serve as the legal officers for their states. Their primary function is to enforce state law, defend against lawsuits brought against the state and advise government agencies on legal matters.
Letitia James (Tish) has championed New Yorkers against predatory landlords, defended their right to vote and safeguarded both environment and workers in her state – breaking through a tradition dominated by mostly white male attorney generals.
The number of attorney generals in the U.S.
The Attorney General serves as both head of the Department of Justice and chief law enforcement officer in the United States. Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, their position requires nomination by both for confirmation. Their primary responsibilities include prosecuting crimes, representing the United States in court cases, providing legal advice to federal agencies and departments, appearing before Congress or Supreme Court when needed and overseeing various offices such as Solicitor General or White House Counsel.
The Office of the Attorney General comprises five divisions and four specialty units that are each led by senior officials from Eric Holder’s staff. Eric Holder was appointed Attorney General by President Barack Obama after previously serving as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of New York from 2001-2003 as deputy attorney general under Janet Reno; additionally he received his B.A. at Columbia University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Nationally, Attorneys General offices serve their communities by upholding laws to protect consumers, tenants, investors, patients, workers and charitable donors from harm. Their office also coordinates civil and criminal investigations statewide as well as promote economic justice while encouraging harm-reducing public health strategies; additionally they’re accountable for environmental protection initiatives within their state.
U.S. states currently boast 83 attorneys general. Most are former prosecutors or elected officials with extensive private practice experience; while some have even served in the military. Private practice remains their most prevalent professional affiliation.
Republican Richard Kleindienst was the 68th Attorney General from January 20, 1974 until January 14, 1975, serving from January 20, 1974 – January 14, 1975. Kleindienst studied at Johns Hopkins and University of Michigan before serving his country during World War II and Korean War service, then being appointed Attorney General himself by President Gerald Ford in 1974-75 before serving India as its Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in 1975-99 – later dying from a brain hemorrhage while still ambassador extraordinaire plenipotentiary in 1999 – before becoming AG Richard Kleindienst had also been an attorney partner in large firm prior to being chosen as Attorney General by Ford himself!
The number of attorney generals in each state
At present, 43 states across America are represented by attorney generals. Each attorney general serves as chief legal advisor of their jurisdiction, prosecuting violations of state law and representing their state against legal disputes. Attorney generals also advise state agencies and legislatures on legal issues; furthermore they set enforcement priorities by allocating extra resources towards certain issues; finally they defend citizens’ rights as part of their mandate.
Attorney general positions are typically elected, while in American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands the president appoints one. Attorney general jobs carry significant responsibilities but can also be extremely lucrative; their average annual salaries in California, Colorado, and Virginia range between $127,762 – $105,833, with additional bonuses of up to $5287 annually being offered as compensation for serving in these roles.
Eric Holder was appointed Attorney General by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate in February 2010. Prior to being nominated as AG, Holder served on a federal bench from 1996-2001 with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals; then served as deputy AG under Janet Reno during Bill Clinton’s administration as deputy attorney general under Janet Reno’s guidance; graduated Yale University and University of Chicago law school he is fluent in Spanish and Arabic as well.
Since 1789 when this position was created, eight attorneys general from the South have served in it. Six were born in Alabama while four more came from Georgia – while Louisiana and Mississippi each produced two attorneys general as well. Half have been Democrats while half were Republicans.
Most states restrict Attorneys General to no more than two consecutive four-year terms in office; in Montana and Tennessee this limit has been extended up to 16 years in total; Minnesota and Oklahoma allow for unlimited terms as Attorneys General.
Attorneys general typically have considerable experience both as private practitioners and prosecutors, and often possess advanced degrees from top universities such as Loretta Lynch who earned her undergraduate degree at Huntingdon College before earning her law degree at the University of Alabama – she is also a member of the National Association of Attorneys General as well as one of the country’s premier law firms, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith where she served as partner.
The number of attorney generals in each congressional district
As head of the Department of Justice, the attorney general serves as chief law enforcement officer of the United States. As an appointed member of Cabinet who reports directly to President of United States. Attorneys general have many legal responsibilities that include upholding citizens’ rights and liberties, prosecuting federal crimes and advising Congress and President on legal matters; additionally they can investigate and prosecute state/local officials including governors.
State attorneys general may also serve in the capacity of assistant attorneys general in certain instances. These aides, typically younger and less senior than the attorney general themselves, perform tasks requiring less experience and expertise; some even specialize in consumer protection or environmental affairs issues while other assistant attorneys general manage the state’s criminal division or civil division respectively.
While most attorneys general are drawn from similar geographic regions, their professional backgrounds often differ dramatically. Texas AG Ken Paxton has taken an aggressive stance against federal overreach while protecting state laws and constitution. He filed 27 lawsuits against President Obama’s administration – six were even heard by the Supreme Court! – winning injunctions or rulings in 75% of those cases!
Attorneys general are typically selected from among prosecutors or elected officials, though many also possess prior private practice experience. Since 1789 when the first attorney general was appointed, 83 have held that office; of those, 25 served in military service while at least 70 previously practiced law privately.
President-elect Donald Trump recently made the latest appointment, choosing Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Sessions is known for championing conservative causes and his anti-immigration views; additionally he boasts experience as both sheriff’s deputy and judge on a district court bench.
Although women historically held fewer legal profession positions, their numbers are steadily increasing. There are currently 34 states with female attorneys general serving their states while Puerto Rico boasts four female AGs. There have been four women attorneys general in the past and three currently. Additionally, 10 have served as acting attorneys general – all highly respected for their professionalism and commitment to their work. Attornies dedicated to protecting Americans’ constitutional rights and liberties. Furthermore, these attorneys work towards strengthening state/federal partnership. Through their dedication, these attorneys make a difference in the lives of families and communities throughout America while taking on national issues like immigration and civil rights.