How much does the US Attorney General make a year?
Asked by: Dr. Kieran Zulauf | Last update: November 13, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump named James McHenry as acting attorney general, pending Pam Bondi's Senate confirmation. The attorney general is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule and thus earns the salary prescribed for that level: $250,600, as of January 2025.
How much is the Attorney General of the United States paid?
The estimated total pay for a Attorney General is $195,662 per year, with an average salary of $129,232 per year.
Who is above the US Attorney General?
The department is headed by the U.S. attorney general, who reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the president's Cabinet.
Are attorney generals all lawyers?
By tradition, persons appointed to the position of Attorney-General have been lawyers. Only two former attorneys-general have not been lawyers, most recently Dr Michael Cullen who held the post in 2005, and again from 2006.
Who is the highest paid governor in the United States?
The highest salary currently being accepted is that of New York Governor Kathy Hochul at $225,000. The lowest salaries are those of Maine Governor Janet Mills and Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico at $70,000 each.
NY AG James leads nationwide legal smackdown of Trump's 'illegal' attempt to freeze federal money
Who is the highest paid lawyer in us?
Peter Angelos | $2 Billion
The wealthiest lawyer in North America, Peter Angelos earned his J.D. from the University of Baltimore and gained prominence in asbestos litigation, securing over $100 million from a single case.
Do you need a law degree to be attorney general?
Does the U.S. Attorney General have to have a law degree and/or have passed a bar exam? Theoretically no. As long as you're appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, the job is yours.
What power does the US Attorney General have?
The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested. In matters of exceptional gravity or importance the Attorney General appears in person before the Supreme Court.
How high ranking is the attorney general?
The attorney general is also a statutory member of the Cabinet of the United States and a member of the United States National Security Council. Additionally, the attorney general is seventh in the presidential line of succession.
Who is higher than FBI?
Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.
Can the president remove the Attorney General?
U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Like other presidential appointees, they can be removed by the President for any reason or for no reason, as long as it is not an illegal or improper reason.
Who is more powerful U.S. attorney or Attorney General?
United States Attorneys serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States of America.
How many employees does the US Attorney General have?
Overseeing more than 5,600 lawyers, investigators, sworn peace officers, and other employees, the Attorney General: Represents the People of California in civil and criminal matters before trial courts, appellate courts and the supreme courts of California and the United States.
What is the salary of a politician?
The compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico is $174,000.
Who is the highest lawyer in the federal government?
The Attorney General is the highest-ranking legal officer in the United States Department of Justice. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal advice to the President and other executive branch officials, overseeing federal law enforcement agencies, and enforcing federal laws and regulations.
What does the U.S. Attorney General do on a daily basis?
The principal duties of the Attorney General are to: Represent the United States in legal matters. Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.
What are the qualifications for U.S. Attorney General?
The common qualifications to be United States Attorney General is that he must be a citizen of the country, at least 18 years old so he can qualify for an electoral status and has bar membership. The President will nominate the United States Attorney General and the US Senate will confirm the nomination.
Has anyone become lawyer without degree?
In four states, you can still take this non-law-school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.
Who is the lowest paid lawyer?
We find that within the legal industry, certain segments are known to offer lower compensation. Typically, public defenders, legal aid attorneys, and lawyers working for nonprofit organizations are among the lowest paid.
Who is the richest person with a law degree?
- #9 – William Barr | $50 Million. ...
- #8 – Roy Black | $65 Million. ...
- #7 – John Branca | $100 Million. ...
- #6 – Robert Shapiro | $120 Million. ...
- #5 – Willie E. ...
- #3 – Bill Neukom | $850 Million. ...
- #2 – Jerry Reinsdorf | $1.8 Billion. ...
- #1 – Peter Angelos | $2 Billion.
Can lawyers make millions of dollars?
Can Lawyers Earn a Million Dollars? Despite your legal expertise, the chances of making a million dollars as an independent attorney are low. However, you might earn a million-dollar salary if you become a senior partner at a major firm or start your own practice.