Attorneys General serve the interests of their state residents by taking on predatory landlords, fighting for harm-reducing public health strategies and safeguarding the environment. When necessary, they may sue federal governments on behalf of their constituents or provide legal opinions during cases heard before the Supreme Court.
Each attorney general oversees a department of lawyers that includes deputy attorneys general and other staff members; these experts serve as top law enforcement advisors to their presidents.
Attorney General of the United States
The Attorney General of the United States serves as head of the Department of Justice and serves as chief law enforcement officer of federal government. To be confirmed by United States Senate as Attorney General requires presidential nomination. Furthermore, this position serves as one of seven legal succession lines to become President.
Letitia James is New York Attorney General. Since taking office, her office has tirelessly advocated on behalf of vulnerable New Yorkers while holding individuals or companies that violate state laws to account. Together they have secured over $7.5 billion for New Yorkers from illegal gangs, guns and drug trafficking operations that had emerged across the state.
Each state also employs an attorney general who oversees legal affairs within their state. Attorneys general often serve as advisors to their governor and executive branch; in addition, they supervise prosecutors within their state as well as provide advice to President and other federal executive departments regarding legal issues. To support America’s attorney generals with collaboration, insight, and expertise – the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).
Attorney General of the State
The Attorney General serves the public interest by upholding laws that safeguard consumers, tenants, patients, workers and investors. Furthermore, their office strives to promote economic and social justice while encouraging harm-reducing public health strategies and conserving natural resources across the state.
Apart from upholding the law, the AG also serves as legal adviser to state agencies and boards. Furthermore, they offer their legal expertise as needed by Governors or heads of agencies, providing legal opinions as requested, or serving ex-officio on various commissions and committees in their state.
As head of the Department of Justice, Attorney General Jackson defends state agencies when they are sued and prosecutes individuals or companies that break state laws. She has successfully taken on predatory landlords as well as petitioning to the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent citizenship questions being added to census forms and protect DACA recipients. She has also taken on drug traffickers, illegal gun dealers and manufacturers of dangerous opioids.
Attorney General of the Territory
In most states, territories, and the District of Columbia, an elected attorney general serves as a key advisor to state agencies and legislatures and represents public interests within state government. AGs also frequently lead multistate legal teams addressing some of the nation’s most complex legal matters – often in collaboration with their counterparts from other states and territories.
Most AG offices include a consumer protection division to fight fraud and scams that can compromise consumer rights across the nation. Consumer protection attorneys play an essential role in combatting such illicit practices that harm them directly.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office is working to address substandard housing conditions found along the border between Mexico and the US known as “colonies.” They investigate allegations such as human trafficking, drug sales and election fraud while offering resources and supporting local law enforcement officers in these communities. Furthermore, their database contains detailed colonia geographic locations.
Attorney General of the District of Columbia
The Attorney General for Washington, DC serves as its chief legal advisor, prosecuting criminal cases and defending government entities against lawsuits, while protecting citizens of DC.
Brian Schwalb is Washington, DC’s second independently elected Attorney General. Throughout his legal career he has used the law to fight for people and advance public interests while making sure it works for all residents.
Since becoming Attorney General, he has actively sought to overhaul the District’s broken justice system and increase public safety. Additionally, he secured millions of dollars for DC workers through wage theft enforcement; combated worker misclassification that damages economies; and led the charge on climate change issues nationwide.
