The New York Attorney General is the highest-paid in the U.S1.. They earn $210,000 a year1. This role is key in New York’s legal system. They enforce laws, protect consumers, and ensure justice.
Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General2. She leads a team in five main areas: Appeals, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, and Social Justice1.
The Attorney General serves for four years1. There’s no limit to how many times they can be re-elected1. Egbert Benson was the first, starting on May 8, 17771. Today, they are essential in keeping law and protecting New Yorkers.
Key Takeaways
- The New York Attorney General is the highest-paid state attorney general in the United States.
- Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General of New York, and the first woman of color to hold citywide office in the state.
- The Attorney General’s office is organized into five major divisions, including Appeals and Opinions, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, and Social Justice.
- The Attorney General’s tenure is four years, with no limit on the number of terms that can be served.
- The first Attorney General of New York, Egbert Benson, took office on May 8, 1777.
Introduction to the New York Attorney General
The Office of the New York State Attorney General, or NYAG, has a long history. It started in 1626 under the Dutch colonial government of New Netherland3. Over time, it has grown into a key legal body. It protects New York’s citizens, advises the state government, and defends its interests in court3.
Overview of the Attorney General’s Office
Letitia James is the 67th New York Attorney General3. The office has over 1,700 staff. They include investigators, analysts, scientists, and over 700 assistant attorneys general4.
Historical Background and Establishment
The New York State Attorney General’s Office has a rich history. It began in 1626, making it one of the oldest in the U.S3.. The role has changed, but it remains a vital part of New York’s government. It fights against lawbreakers and protects citizens’ rights.
“The Attorney General’s office is a vital institution that has long played a critical role in protecting the legal rights of New Yorkers and ensuring that the state’s laws are enforced. From its origins in the Dutch colonial era to the present day, the office has adapted to meet the changing needs of the state and its people.”
| Year | Attorney General | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Letitia James (D) | 5,802,630 | 54.6% |
| 2018 | Letitia James (D) | 5,993,517 | 62.4% |
| 2014 | Eric Schneiderman (D) | 3,714,505 | 55.7% |
The Attorney General’s office has shaped New York’s legal landscape4. It has secured over $7.5 billion for the state4. It has also worked to stop ghost guns and protect health and natural resources4.
Duties and Responsibilities
The New York Attorney General is key in enforcing laws and promoting justice in the state5. They handle all legal actions where the state is involved, including criminal cases5. They also investigate crimes at the request of top state officials5.
Enforcing Laws and Promoting Justice
When local prosecutors can’t handle a case, the Attorney General steps in5. They deal with discrimination cases and stop illegal business practices5. They also seek damages for fraud5.
Protecting Consumers, Workers, and the Environment
The Attorney General’s office works hard to protect New Yorkers. They ensure the state’s interests in certain trusts are protected5. They also fight for consumer, worker, and environmental rights5.
The Attorney General’s role is vast, covering law enforcement and protecting New Yorkers’ rights56. This office is essential to the state’s legal system, ensuring the people’s interests are safeguarded5.
| Attorney General Duties | Description |
|---|---|
| Prosecute and Defend State Actions | The Attorney General is responsible for prosecuting and defending all actions and proceedings in which the state has an interest. |
| Manage Criminal Actions | The Attorney General must manage and conduct criminal actions or proceedings before the supreme court upon the governor’s requirement. |
| Investigate Alleged Offenses | The Attorney General is tasked with investigating alleged indictable offenses upon the request of various high-ranking state officials. |
| Prosecute Discrimination Cases | The Attorney General prosecutes cases related to discrimination based on age, race, sex, disability, and other criteria. |
| Enforce State Interests in Trusts | The Attorney General is responsible for safeguarding and enforcing the state’s interest in trusts meeting specific requirements as per the social services law. |
| Enjoin Fraudulent Activities | The Attorney General is empowered to enjoin fraudulent or illegal business activities and seek damages. |
“The New York Attorney General plays a critical role in enforcing laws and promoting justice throughout the state.”
new york attorney general
The New York Attorney General has a lot of power in the state government7. They work on their own, not controlled by the Governor. They can start criminal investigations and handle cases at the Governor’s request or a state agency’s7. They also watch over the Organized Crime Task Force and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, adding to their work7.
Letitia Ann James is the current Attorney General, starting on January 1, 20198. Before that, she was the New York City Public Advocate from 2014 to 2018. She also served in the New York City Council from 2004 to 20138. James has a strong legal background, with a degree from Lehman College and a law degree from Howard University School of Law8.
The New York Attorney General’s role has caught national attention recently9. For example, Missouri’s Attorney General, Andrew Bailey, asked New York to drop charges against former President Trump. Bailey said it affects Missouri voters by keeping them from knowing who to vote for9. This shows how much influence the New York Attorney General has, not just in New York but across the country9.
| Attorney General | Term |
|---|---|
| Barbara Underwood | 2018 |
| Eric Schneiderman | 2011-2018 |
| Andrew M. Cuomo | 2007-2010 |
| Eliot Spitzer | 1999-2006 |
| Louis J. Lefkowitz | 1957-1987 |
The New York Attorney General’s office has a rich history7. It has had many notable leaders, like Louis J. Lefkowitz, who served from 1957 to 1987. More recently, Attorneys General like Andrew Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer became Governors. This shows the office’s key role in shaping New York’s laws and politics7.
“The continued prosecution harms Missouri by depriving millions of Missourians of the information needed to vote.”
– Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey
Key Divisions and Units
The New York Attorney General’s Department of Law is a powerhouse of legal expertise. It is divided into five major divisions to handle a wide range of legal matters10. These divisions include the Appeals and Opinions, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, and Social Justice divisions. Each has specialized units to address unique legal challenges10.
The Appeals and Opinions division defends state agencies and handles high-profile cases that reach the appellate level10. The State Counsel division provides legal advice and representation to state agencies. It ensures government operations are conducted within the bounds of the law10.
The Criminal Justice division prosecutes financial fraud, consumer protection violations, and other criminal offenses. The Economic Justice division safeguards consumers, workers, and the environment from unscrupulous practices10. Lastly, the Social Justice division advocates for civil rights. It protects vulnerable populations and promotes equality10.
To support these divisions, the New York Attorney General’s Office has established specialized units. The Legal Recruitment Bureau handles the recruitment and hiring of attorneys. It offers benefits like paid leave, health, dental, vision, and retirement11. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, created in 2019, ensures the workforce reflects New York’s diversity. It focuses on matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)11. The Diversity Committee, established in 2020, works to increase the recruitment and hiring of a diverse workforce. It fosters inclusion and equity within the office11.
The Practice Technologies Group (PTG) is another key unit. It provides litigation support and discovery services to attorneys and legal support staff. It includes data collection, search consulting, analytics, and trial-presentation services11. This integration of cutting-edge technology and legal expertise empowers the New York Attorney General’s Office to effectively address complex legal challenges11.
| Division | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Appeals and Opinions | Defending state agencies and handling high-profile appellate cases |
| State Counsel | Providing legal advice and representation to state agencies |
| Criminal Justice | Prosecuting financial fraud, consumer protection violations, and other criminal offenses |
| Economic Justice | Safeguarding consumers, workers, and the environment from unscrupulous practices |
| Social Justice | Advocating for civil rights and promoting equality |
The New York Attorney General’s Office, with its specialized divisions and units, is a formidable force. It upholds the rule of law and protects the interests of New Yorkers10.
Investigations and Prosecutions
The New York Attorney General’s office is known for its tough work on big cases. They deal with financial fraud, civil rights issues, and more12. They’ve taken down La Cosa Nostra (LCN) leaders and solved crimes that were thought unsolvable12.
They’ve also gone after doctors for opioid crimes and gang members for violence and drugs. This includes killings, drug sales, and gun crimes.
High-Profile Cases and Lawsuits
One big win was against former President Donald Trump. He was ordered to pay $463.9 million for fraud12. They’re also fighting to keep reproductive healthcare available in New York13.
The International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section leads in fighting global drug and money crimes. They’ve taken on the biggest Mexican and Colombian cartels.
“The Attorney General’s Office is committed to holding the powerful accountable and defending the rights of all New Yorkers, no matter how wealthy or well-connected the wrongdoer may be.”
The New York Attorney General’s office keeps leading in big cases and lawsuits. They make sure justice is done and the public is protected1213.
Collaboration with State Agencies
The New York Attorney General’s office works with other state agencies to tackle many issues14. This teamwork helps the Attorney General use the skills and tools of different groups. They work together to solve problems, share data, and enforce laws14.
For example, the Attorney General’s office teamed up with the New York State Department of Labor14. Together, they fought against wage theft and broke labor laws14. This effort helped workers get back millions of dollars in unpaid wages. It also made employers pay big fines for not following labor rules14.
The Attorney General also works with the New York State Department of Health14. They focus on stopping Medicaid fraud and abuse14. Their work led to millions of dollars recovered for Medicaid. They also made healthcare providers follow stricter rules14.
Also, the Attorney General teams up with state environmental agencies15. They work to protect New York’s nature and follow environmental laws15. They investigate environmental harm and create plans for a greener future15.
Through these partnerships, the New York Attorney General’s office uses the power of state agencies141615. This way, they tackle many problems that affect New Yorkers141615.
Consumer Protection and Advocacy
The New York Attorney General’s office puts consumer protection first. They have dedicated hotlines and offer many resources. These help New Yorkers deal with fraud, scams, and unfair business practices17.
The team also takes legal steps to make sure businesses are fair. They work to get refunds or other help for those affected17.
Consumer Hotlines and Resources
The Attorney General’s Office deals with many consumer complaints. This includes issues with purchases, identity theft, and more18. They also share info on new fraud risks and protect against harmful business practices18.
They teach people how to spot scams. This helps reduce the risk of falling victim17.
The Consumer Protection Division fights fraud and unfair business practices18. They review complaints to see if mediation or further action is needed17. They spread the word through community events, websites, and social media17.
State laws give attorneys general the power to enforce consumer protection17. They can use various remedies to ensure fairness and compliance17.
| Consumer Issues Handled | Legal Remedies |
|---|---|
| Purchases, identity theft, health care services, home repair, auto sales | Cease and desist orders, settlements, consent judgments, injunctions, penalties |
“The Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to empowering and protecting consumers through effective enforcement, education, and advocacy initiatives.”
In Illinois, the Small Claims Court handles cases up to $10,000. This offers a straightforward way for people to seek justice18.
Environmental Protection Efforts
The New York Attorney General is key in protecting the state’s environment and health19. They tackle environmental pollution, illegal dumping, and other crimes19. They also make sure polluters clean up and follow environmental rules20.
Under Attorney General Letitia James, the office has made big strides20. They’ve collected over $28.5 million for enforcing environmental laws20. This includes actions against big companies for pollution and securing settlements for pollution laws20.
The office fights for better environmental policies19. They’ve defended the EPA and taken action against air pollution, like from the Norlite plant in Cohoes20. They’ve also gotten funds to fix environmental damage and protect health20.
They opposed the EPA’s “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” proposal19. This proposal could have excluded important scientific studies from decision-making19. The office believes in science-based regulations and independent scientific input19.
The New York Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau has seven scientists on staff19. This is unique in the nation19. Their expertise helps protect the state’s natural resources19.
| Case | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Gershow Recycling Corporation | Alleged Clean Air Act violations at their metal shredding facility in Medford, New York | Paid a civil penalty of $555,000 and installed technology to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds21. |
| Suffolk County | Contamination of the county’s drinking water supply | Agreed to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act to safeguard public health and the natural environment21. |
| Northrop Grumman | Environmental cleanup costs related to contamination at the former Naval Weapon Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) in Bethpage, New York | Paid the United States $35 million for environmental cleanup costs21. |
These examples show the New York Attorney General’s dedication to protecting the environment20. Their work is vital for New Yorkers’ health and the environment20.
Role in Public Integrity and Ethics
The New York Attorney General’s office is key in keeping government honest and fair22. The Public Employee Ethics Reform Act of 2007 set up the New York State Commission on Public Integrity. This group has 13 members from different political sides22. In 2011, it was replaced by the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). JCOPE makes sure everyone follows ethics and lobbying laws22.
The New York Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau leads in checking on corruption and wrongdoings23. They’ve taken on city council members and big cases like the “Buffalo Billion” scandal23. Their team works hard to keep things open and fair in government22.
New York City also has strong agencies for checking on public integrity24. The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board gets reports from about 9,000 people yearly. The Office of the New York City Comptroller checks all city agencies24. Together with the state’s push for open data and groups like the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity (CAPI), they help keep government honest24.
The New York Attorney General is the top law enforcer in the state222423. They make sure government works right and officials act with integrity222423. Their dedication to ethics is vital for keeping the public’s faith in government and upholding good governance.
Working with Federal and Other State Agencies
The New York Attorney General’s office works with federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. They also team up with attorneys general from other states. This teamwork helps tackle big, complex cases and solve problems that affect many places, like consumer protection and environmental issues25.
Multistate Collaborations and Initiatives
The New York Attorney General’s office joins many multistate efforts and task forces. These partnerships help them use resources better, share information, and work together on enforcement actions25. Some key examples include:
- Looking into and stopping consumer protection violations that happen in many states, like fake marketing or data breaches25.
- Working together on antitrust actions to stop unfair mergers or monopolies that affect many areas25.
- Joining forces on environmental protection, like fighting climate change, enforcing pollution rules, and holding polluters accountable25.
- Teaming up with federal agencies to tackle big financial crimes, securities fraud, and protect investors across state lines25.
Through these partnerships, the New York Attorney General’s office can make a bigger difference. They help protect New Yorkers and people all over the country25.
“By working closely with our federal and state partners, we can more effectively address issues that transcend state boundaries and better protect the rights and interests of all New Yorkers.”25 – New York Attorney General
Conclusion
The New York Attorney General’s office is a key player in justice, consumer rights, and ethics in the state government26. They’ve tackled big cases like the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump26. This shows their strong commitment to making sure everyone is held accountable.
They work with federal agencies, other state Attorneys General, and specialized teams26. This teamwork helps them make a big difference in New Yorkers’ lives.
The saga of the Trump Organization’s fraud has led to big wins for the New York Attorney General’s office26. They’ve imposed big fines, banned key people from financial roles, and set up an independent monitor26. These steps show their strong stance against corporate wrongdoings and protecting the state’s money27.
The case has taken years, with lots of investigation and teamwork26. This shows the Attorney General’s dedication to justice.
The New York Attorney General’s office will keep fighting for New Yorkers’ rights and safety28. They tackle big cases, stand up for consumers, and protect the environment. As the state’s top law enforcer, they’re key to fairness, transparency, and accountability in our democracy.
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Source Links
- Attorney General of New York – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attorney_General_of_New_York
- Letitia A. James – National Association of Attorneys General – https://www.naag.org/attorney-general/letitia-james/
- Attorney General of New York – https://ballotpedia.org/Attorney_General_of_New_York
- Meet Letitia James – https://ag.ny.gov/about/meet-letitia-james
- NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.gov – https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EXC/63
- What is a State Attorney General? – https://stateimpactcenter.org/ag-work/what-is-a-state-attorney-general
- New York Former Attorneys General – NAAG – https://www.naag.org/attorneys-general/past-attorneys-general/new-york-former-attorneys-general/
- Letitia James – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letitia_James
- Attorney General Bailey Files Brief Demanding New York Overturn Illicit Prosecution After Trump Assassination Attempt – https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-bailey-files-brief-demanding-new-york-overturn-illicit-prosecution-after-trump-assassination-attempt/
- New York Attorney General’s Office 18-Month Round-Up – https://www.gibsondunn.com/new-york-attorney-generals-office-18-month-round-up/
- Administration Division – https://ag.ny.gov/about/about-office/administration-division
- Criminal Division – https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/criminal-division
- The Office – https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/the-office/
- Attorney General James and U.S. Attorney Peace Secure Over $17 Million From Home Health Agencies for Cheating Workers and Defrauding Medicaid in Landmark Wage Parity Agreement – https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-and-us-attorney-peace-secure-over-17-million-home-health
- Attorney General James and NYSED Commissioner Rosa Issue Guidance to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in New York Public Schools – https://www.nysed.gov/news/2023/attorney-general-james-and-nysed-commissioner-rosa-issue-guidance-promote-diversity-equity
- Attorney General seeks to dissolve Community Resource Collaborative – Rochester Beacon – https://rochesterbeacon.com/2024/10/07/attorney-general-seeks-to-dissolve-community-resource-collaborative/
- Consumer Protection 101 – https://www.naag.org/issues/consumer-protection/consumer-protection-101/
- Consumer Protection – https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/
- PDF – https://www.law.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/upload_documents/NY AG Testimony.pdf
- ‘Every day is Earth Day in our office,’ says AG James in a pledge to protect NY’s environment – https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/04/23/every-day-is-earth-day-in-our-office-says-ag-james/
- Environmental Justice and Enforcement – https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/environmental-justice-and-enforcement
- Public Integrity, Commission on – https://www.archives.nysed.gov/node/361008
- Profile in Public Integrity: Amie Ely – https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=public_integrity
- The Resources of New York’s Public Integrity Agencies: Putting Them to Work for You – https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1052&context=public_integrity
- Executive Division – https://ag.ny.gov/about/about-office/executive-division
- Attorney General James Wins Landmark Victory in Case Against Donald Trump – https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-wins-landmark-victory-case-against-donald-trump
- Clearinghouse: New York Attorney General Corporate Fraud Case – https://www.justsecurity.org/89120/clearinghouse-new-york-attorney-general-corporate-fraud-case/
- Trump Civil Fraud Trial: Trump Delivers Final Words of His Defense’s Closing Arguments in Fraud Trial – https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/11/nyregion/trump-fraud-trial