United States Associate Attorney General
Overview
The United States Associate Attorney General is the third-highest-ranking official in the United States Department of Justice. The Associate Attorney General advises and assists the United States Attorney General and the United States Deputy Attorney General in the formulation and implementation of U.S. Department of Justice policies and programs.
History
The position of Associate Attorney General was created by the U.S. Congress in 1977. The role was established to supervise and coordinate the work of the Department's civil components, including the Civil Division, the Antitrust Division, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division. The Associate Attorney General also oversees various grant-making divisions, such as the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Community Oriented Policing Services.
Responsibilities
The Associate Attorney General has a broad range of responsibilities within the Department of Justice. These include supervising the work of the Department's civil litigating divisions, overseeing the Department's grant programs, and providing advice and assistance to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on a wide range of legal, policy, and administrative matters.
Appointment and Tenure
The Associate Attorney General is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. The tenure of the Associate Attorney General is not fixed by statute, and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the President.
Notable Associate Attorneys General
Over the years, several notable individuals have served as Associate Attorney General. These include Rudolph W. Giuliani, who later became Mayor of New York City, and Webster Hubbell, who was a close confidant of President Bill Clinton.