what is the role of attorney general in new york state

by Sister Pfannerstill 10 min read

Is there an attorney general in New York State?

About the Attorney General. New York State Attorney General. Letitia James. Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General for the State of New York. With decades of work, she is an experienced attorney and public servant with a long record of accomplishments. She is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman to be elected …

What is the role of the Attorney General?

As the “People's Lawyer,” the Attorney General serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. In fulfilling the duties of the State’s chief legal counsel, the Attorney General not only advises the Executive branch of State government, but also defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the State.

Does the Attorney General represent the state in a lawsuit?

Apr 05, 2015 · The New York Attorney General is a legal and administrative position undertaken by the appointed individual serving as the primary attorney – or lawyer – on behalf of the State of New York; the appointment of the NYS Attorney General takes place through a statewide election. The New York Attorney General is Democrat Eric Schneiderman, who underook the NYS …

Who was the Attorney General of New York in 1684?

Jan 24, 2015 · Date: April 13, 2022 The State's Attorney General is the head of the state's legal office and is responsible for enforcing the law. A state’s attorney general is responsible for enforcing the law in the state where he or she was elected. The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most of the state’s government …

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What does the Attorney General do?

In fulfilling the duties of the State’s chief legal counsel, the Attorney General not only advises the Executive branch of State government, but also defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the State.

How many divisions are there in the Department of Law?

The legal functions of the Department of Law are divided primarily into five major divisions: Appeals and Opinions, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice and Social Justice. Over 1,800 employees, including over 700 attorneys, as well as forensic accountants, legal assistants, scientists, investigators, and support staff, ...

What does the Attorney General do?

The Attorney General advises the executive branch of state government and defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the state. The Attorney General acts independently of the Governor of New York. The department's regulations are compiled in title 13 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR).

Who is the Attorney General of the Netherlands?

The office has been in existence in some form since 1626, under the Dutch colonial government of New Netherlands. Democrat Letitia James currently serves as Attorney General, in office since January 1, 2019.

How long does the Attorney General serve?

The attorney general is elected in the midterm elections and serves four-year terms.

Who did Letitia James beat?

Letitia James defeated Keith Wofford, Michael Sussman, Christopher B. Garvey, and Nancy Sliwa in the general election for Attorney General of New York on November 6, 2018. There were no incumbents in this race.

Who won the 2010 election?

To view the electoral history dating back to 2002 for the office of New York Attorney General, Click to expand the section. On November 2, 2010, Eric Schneiderman won election to the office of New York Attorney General. He defeated Dan Donovan (R), Carl Person (L) and Ramon Jimenez (Frdm) in the general election.

What is the NYS Attorney General?

What is the Attorney General New York? The New York Attorney General is a legal and administrative position undertaken by the appointed individual serving as the primary attorney – or lawyer – on behalf of the State of New York; the appointment of the NYS Attorney General takes place through a statewide election. The Attorney General New York.

Where is the Attorney General's office in New York?

The Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York is located in the State Capitol Building in Albany, New York. Criminal Justice Duties of the New York Attorney General. Although the Attorney General New York undertakes a vast array of duties and responsibilities, amongst the foremost of their responsibilities is to serve ...

Who was the first attorney general of New York?

The History of the New York Attorney General. The first New York Attorney General was Egbert Benson, who served from 1777 to 1788.

What is the job of an attorney general?

The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most of the state’s government agencies. Each state’s attorney general manages all legal representation of the state in civil and criminal matters on a state and federal level. Most attorneys general manage specific assistance programs ...

Who is responsible for enforcing the law?

The State's Attorney General is the head of the state's legal office and is responsible for enforcing the law. A state’s attorney general is responsible for enforcing the law in the state where he or she was elected. The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most ...

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

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Overview

The attorney general of New York is the chief legal officer of the U.S. state of New York and head of the Department of Law of the state government. The office has been in existence in some form since 1626, under the Dutch colonial government of New Netherland. The attorney general of the State of New York is the highest-paid state attorney general in the country.

Functions

The attorney general advises the executive branch of state government and defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the state. The attorney general acts independently of the governor of New York. The department's regulations are compiled in title 13 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR).

Organization

The legal functions of the Department of Law are divided primarily into five major divisions: Appeals and Opinions, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice and Social Justice.
• Harlan Levy (2011–2015)
• Ruth Kessler Toch (1966–1979)
• Shirley Adelson Siegel (1979–1982)

Terms of office

• From 1684 to 1777, when New York was under the British colonial government, the attorney general was appointed by the British crown, or the colonial governor on its behalf. In 1693, the attorney general earned a salary of 50 pounds.
• From 1777 to 1822, the attorney general was appointed by the Council of Appointment.

See also

• New York Attorney General elections

External links

• Official website
• Department of Law in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
• New York Attorney General articles at ABA Journal
• News and Commentary at FindLaw

Current Officeholder

Authority

Qualifications

Elections

Vacancies

Duties

Divisions

  • As of January 13, 2021, the attorney general's legal functions are divided into five major divisions: 1. Appeals and Opinions 2. State Counsel 3. Criminal Justice 4. Economic Justice 5. Social Justice
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Historical Officeholders

Recent News

Contact Information