United States Attorney General
Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which established the Office of the Attorney General. The original duties required this officer to prosecute and conduct all suits in the Supreme Court involving the United States. This law also mandated that the attorney general give advice on questions of law when requested by the president or department heads. Some of these early responsibilities have since been transferred to other roles like the solicitor general. The office began as a single person handling legal matters for a young nation.
Under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution, the president nominates the attorney general for this position. A confirmation hearing takes place before the Senate Judiciary Committee before a vote occurs. The full Senate must confirm the nominee by a majority vote for them to take office. The officeholder earns a salary prescribed for Level I positions in the Executive Schedule. That amount reached $250,600 as of January 2025. The attorney general is supported by executive staff and several deputy attorneys general within the Office of the Attorney General.
It is standard practice for the attorney general to tender resignation effective at noon on Inauguration Day. This date falls on January 20 when a new president begins their term. The deputy attorney general also tends to resign but often stays on to serve as acting attorney general. For example, Loretta Lynch left her position upon Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017. Sally Yates then served as acting attorney general until Jeff Sessions received Senate confirmation. These transitions ensure continuity during political shifts between administrations.
The Department of Justice was established in 1870 to support attorneys general in discharging their responsibilities. Before this year, the office functioned without a dedicated departmental structure. Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which created the initial role. Over time duties expanded from simple legal advice to complex law enforcement oversight. The secretary of state, treasury, defense, and attorney general are now regarded as four most important Cabinet officials due to department size and importance.
Janet Reno became the first female attorney general in 1993. Eric Holder took office as the first African American male in 2009. Alberto Gonzales served as the first Hispanic American male starting in 2005. Charles Joseph Bonaparte held the title as the first Italian American male beginning in 1906. Edward H. Levi became the first Jewish American male in 1975. Loretta Lynch made history again as the first African American female in 2015. These milestones mark significant demographic shifts within the office over two centuries.
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Common questions
When was the Office of the Attorney General established by Congress?
Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which established the Office of the Attorney General. This law mandated that the attorney general give advice on questions of law when requested by the president or department heads.
What is the salary for the United States Attorney General as of January 2025?
The officeholder earns a salary prescribed for Level I positions in the Executive Schedule. That amount reached $250,600 as of January 2025.
Who became the first female attorney general and in what year?
Janet Reno became the first female attorney general in 1993. She took office during the presidency of Bill Clinton following her nomination by the president and confirmation by the Senate.
Which agencies does the attorney general supervise within the Department of Justice?
Supervision extends to major agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The attorney general serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government today.
On what date do attorneys general typically tender their resignation?
It is standard practice for the attorney general to tender resignation effective at noon on Inauguration Day. This date falls on January 20 when a new president begins their term.