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Attorney General of New York

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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.

Democrat Letitia James currently serves as attorney general, in office since January 1, 2019.


Table of contents

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1. Functions
2. Organization
• Chief deputy attorney general
• Solicitor general
3. Terms of office
4. See also

Functions

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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

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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.

Chief deputy attorney general

• Harlan Levy (2011-2015)

Solicitor general

• Ruth Kessler Toch (1966-1979)
• Shirley Adelson Siegel (1979-1982)
• Robert Hermann (1983-1986)
• O. Peter Sherwood (1986-1991)
• Jerry Boone (1991-1994)
• Victoria A. Graffeo (1995-1996)
• Barbara Gott Billet (1996-1998)
• Preeta D. Bansal (1999-2001)
• Caitlin Halligan (2001-2007)
• Barbara D. Underwood (2007-present)

Terms of office

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• 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.
• From 1823 to 1846, the attorney general was elected by the New York State Legislature for a three-year term.
• Attorneys general have been elected by the voters since 1847.

See also

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• New York Attorney General elections

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