what is the state or federal government attorney

The state attorney general in each of the 50 U.S. states, of the federal district, or of any of the territories is the chief legal advisor to the state government and the state's chief law enforcement officer.

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What is a United States Attorney called?

State Attorneys General Attorneys general are the top legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and act as the “People’s Lawyer” for the citizens. Most are elected, though a few are appointed by the governor. Select your state to connect to your state attorney general's website.

What is the Office of the United States Attorney?

Definition. An attorney, acting under the direction of the Attorney General, who enforces federal laws within his or her jurisdiction and represents the federal government in civil and criminal cases. The United States Attorney is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a term of four years. There are 93 United States Attorneys who are each assigned to a particular …

What is another name for a federal prosecutor?

Jan 30, 2022 · A federal attorney is an attorney who is qualified to appear before the federal courts of the United States. The court system in the United States consists of both federal and state courts. Different cases are heard in federal court versus state court, and attorneys must be separately sworn in before they can present a case before a federal court.

What are the duties of a federal attorney?

Jan 14, 2022 · October 11, 2021. The Attorney-Advisor (GS-905) job occupation is prevalent in all parts of the Government. The federal government employs 35,640 attorneys of which 393 are stationed in US Territories or in foreign countries. The Department of Justice is the largest employer with 10,265, the Department of Homeland Security has 2,088, and the Department of …

What is a US state attorney?

Merrick GarlandUnited States / Attorney generalMerrick Brian Garland is an American lawyer and jurist serving as the 86th United States attorney general since March 2021. He served as a circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2021. Wikipedia

What is the role of federal lawyers?

§ 547, the role of the United States Attorney is to: (1) prosecute criminal cases brought by the federal government; (2) prosecute or defend civil cases where the United States is a party; and (3) collect debts owed to the federal government when administrative agencies are unable to do so.

Does the federal government have an attorney general?

The United States attorney general (AG) leads the United States Department of Justice, and is the chief lawyer of the federal government of the United States. The attorney general serves as the principal advisor to the president of the United States on all legal matters.

Can the Attorney General fire a US attorney?

The President of the United States has the authority to appoint U.S. Attorneys, with the consent of the United States Senate, and the President may remove U.S. Attorneys from office. In the event of a vacancy, the United States Attorney General is authorized to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney.

What power does the US attorney general have?

As the chief officer of the Department of Justice, the attorney general enforces federal laws, provides legal counsel in federal cases, interprets the laws that govern executive departments, heads federal jails and penal institutions, and examines alleged violations of federal laws.

Does each state have an attorney general?

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have an attorney general who serves as the chief legal officer in their jurisdiction, counsels its government agencies and legislatures, and is a representative of the public ...

What branch of government is the DOJ?

executive departmentThe United States Department of Justice (DOJ), also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the United States government tasked with the enforcement of federal law and administration of justice in the United States....United States Department of Justice.Agency overviewWebsiteJustice.gov11 more rows

Is the attorney general over the Supreme Court?

Attorney general offices therefore play an active role before the Supreme Court. Collectively, they are the second most active litigant before the Court, behind only the U.S. government.

When was the Office of the Attorney General created?

History and statutory authority. The Office of the United States Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 , along with the office of Attorney General and the United States Marshals Service. The same act also specified the structure of the Supreme Court of the United States and established inferior courts making up ...

What is the role of administrative management?

Administrative management direction and oversight, Operational support, Coordination with other components of the United States Department of Justice and other federal agencies. These responsibilities include certain legal, budgetary, administrative, and personnel services, as well as legal education.

What is an AUSA?

An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), or federal prosecutor, is a public official who represents the federal government on behalf of the U.S. Attorney (USA) in criminal prosecutions, and in certain civil cases as either the plaintiff or the defendant.

How many attorneys are there in the US government?

The Attorney-Advisor (GS-905) job occupation is prevalent in all parts of the Government. The federal government employs 35,640 attorneys of which 393 are stationed in US Territories or in foreign countries. The Department of Justice is the largest employer with 10,265, the Department of Homeland Security has 2,088, and the Department of Treasury employs 2,146. All of the cabinet level and large agencies employ substantial numbers of attorneys in multiple areas.

What does an attorney do?

Attorneys also work for federal, state, and local governments. Prosecutors typically work for the government to file a lawsuit, or charge, against an individual or corporation accused of violating the law. Some may also work as public defense attorneys and represent individuals who could not afford to hire their own private attorney .

What is the job of a legal counsel?

Duties. Advises and provides legal counsel to officials relevant to studies, reports, analysis prepared by program offices. Advises officials on pending and proposed legislation developed by members of Congress, other federal agencies that significantly impacts an agency’s policies and other factors.

What is the GS-12?

GS-12: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work. The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.#N#GS-13: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work and one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

What is corporate counsel?

They argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government. Corporate counsels, also called in-house counsels, are lawyers who work for corporations. They advise a corporation’s executives about legal issues related to the corporation’s business activities.

What is environmental law?

Environmental lawyers deal with issues and regulations that are related to the environment. They may represent advocacy groups, waste disposal companies, and government agencies to make sure they comply with the relevant laws. Tax lawyers handle a variety of tax-related issues for individuals and corporations.

What does a federal attorney do?

Many federal agencies rely heavily on attorneys to help draft regulations, advise on policy matters, and more. This position, in particular, would require an attorney to advise and provide leadership on matters related to the federal regulation of food and drugs. Federal government attorney positions cover a wide variety ...

What is an assistant U.S. attorney?

Attorney. In the Department of Justice, under the oversight of the U.S. Attorney General, assistant U.S. attorneys litigate cases on behalf of the federal government. This could involve prosecution of federal drug charges, defense of a civil suit against federal government enforcement agents, and many other matters.

What degree do I need to become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer with the federal government generally requires: A law degree such as a Juris Doctor, or J.D. A license to practice law in a given state (i.e., passing the bar exam. An LLM in US Law may be enough for a foreign attorney to take the bar exam in a given state as long as the lawyer’s education is equivalent to an American Bar ...

What is a district court clerk?

District Court Clerks assist judges in analyzing court filings, researching law, and preparing opinions in criminal and civil matters pending before a U.S. federal court. Many students move on quickly from such positions into private practice, although some work as a clerk for longer periods of time.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

Obtaining a law degree typically takes three years at a U.S. law school. Students attend these graduate-level programs after first earning a bachelor’s degree in any subject. While pre-law programs exist at many institutions, this is not a requirement to attend law school.

What is the LSAT exam?

The LSAT is a law school entrance exam focused on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logic. As federal attorney positions are highly competitive, students seeking federal employment should strive to obtain admission to the most well regarded law schools to help them stand out in the job applicant pool.

Which branch of government hears appeals from lower level courts?

Judicial Branch. State judicial branches are usually led by the State supreme court, which hears appeals from lower-level State courts. Court structures and judicial appointments/elections are determined either by legislation or the State constitution.

What is the state legislature?

All 50 States have legislatures made up of elected representatives, who consider matters brought forth by the governor or introduced by its members to create legislation that becomes law. The legislature also approves a State’s budget and initiates tax legislation and articles of impeachment. The latter is part of a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government that mirrors the Federal system and prevents any branch from abusing its power.

Which state has a bicameral legislature?

Except for one State, Nebraska, all States have a bicameral legislature made up of two chambers: a smaller upper house and a larger lower house. Together the two chambers make State laws and fulfill other governing responsibilities. (Nebraska is the lone state that has just one chamber in its legislature.) The smaller upper chamber is always called ...

What are the powers of the executive branch?

The Executive Branch. The Judicial Branch. Elections and Voting. State and Local Government. The Constitution. Powers not granted to the Federal government are reserved for States and the people, which are divided between State and local governments. Most Americans have more frequent contact with their State and local governments than with ...

What is the supreme court?

The supreme court focuses on correcting errors made in lower courts and therefore holds no trials. Rulings made in State supreme courts are normally binding; however, when questions are raised regarding consistency with the U.S. Constitution, matters may be appealed directly to the United States Supreme Court.

What are the two tiers of local government?

Local governments generally include two tiers: counties, also known as boroughs in Alaska and parishes in Louisiana, and municipalities, or cities/towns . In some States, counties are divided into townships. Municipalities can be structured in many ways, as defined by State constitutions, and are called, variously, townships, villages, boroughs, ...

What is a municipal government?

Municipal governments—those defined as cities, towns, boroughs (except in Alaska), villages, and townships— are generally organized around a population center and in most cases correspond to the geographical designations used by the United States Census Bureau for reporting of housing and population statistics.

Overview

History and statutory authority

Appointment

Role of U.S. attorneys

Executive Office for United States Attorneys

List of current U.S. attorneys' offices

Defunct U.S. attorneys' offices

See also