ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Attorney General Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAttorney General Jobs

Attorney General information

See salary details

$70K

$103.6K

$155K

How much do attorney general jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for attorney general in the United States is $103,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Attorney General?

An Attorney General is the chief legal officer of a state, country, or government. They represent the government in legal matters, provide legal advice to government agencies, and oversee the enforcement of laws. In the United States, each state has its own Attorney General, and there is also a U.S. Attorney General who leads the Department of Justice. Their responsibilities can include prosecuting cases, protecting consumers, and defending the state or federal government in court.

What Is an Attorney General?

An Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer to the government. The United States Attorney General is a Cabinet member and the head of the Department of Justice. Each state also has its own Attorney General. Attorneys General are either elected or appointed to their position. Job duties include providing legal counsel and representing the government in legal matters. They are also responsible for overseeing the enforcement of laws and prosecuting violators as the head of a Department of Justice. Departments of Justice typically include different divisions, for instance, criminal, civil, and law enforcement divisions. Many positions exist working under an Attorney General at the state and federal Departments of Justice, including attorneys, investigators, researchers, law enforcement officers, and paralegals. Support roles are also available, for example, in information technology and office administration.

What are some common challenges faced by an Attorney General in balancing legal responsibilities with political considerations?

An Attorney General often encounters the challenge of maintaining impartiality while providing legal advice and enforcing laws that may have significant political implications. Balancing the public interest, upholding the law, and sometimes navigating pressure from government officials or political parties can be complex. Staying committed to ethical standards, transparency, and independence is crucial for earning public trust and effectively fulfilling the role. Collaboration with various government agencies and legal teams is also essential to ensure thorough analysis and sound decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Attorney General, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Attorney General, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, extensive legal experience, and a deep understanding of constitutional and administrative law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and government regulatory tools is essential. Exceptional leadership, public communication, and ethical decision-making skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively interpreting laws, providing legal guidance, and protecting the public interest at the highest level of state or federal government.

What is the difference between Attorney General vs District Attorney?

AspectAttorney GeneralDistrict Attorney
Primary RoleStatewide legal authority, representing the state in legal mattersLocal legal authority, prosecuting crimes within a specific district or county
Work EnvironmentState government offices, courts, legal departmentsCounty courthouses, local government offices, courtrooms
Required CredentialsLaw degree, licensed attorney, often political appointment or electionLaw degree, licensed attorney, elected or appointed at local level
Industry UsageState government, legal system, public policyLocal government, criminal justice system

The Attorney General and District Attorney roles both require legal expertise and licensure, but differ mainly in scope and jurisdiction. The Attorney General handles statewide legal issues, while the District Attorney focuses on prosecuting crimes within a specific district or county. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the legal field.

More about Attorney General jobs
What cities are hiring for Attorney General jobs? Cities with the most Attorney General job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney General jobs? The most popular types of Attorney General jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Attorney General jobs? The top employers for Attorney General jobs are:
What states have the most Attorney General jobs? States with the most job openings for Attorney General jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Attorney General jobs? For Attorney General jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Attorney General jobs near you
Infographic showing various Attorney General job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 78% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,584 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Assistant Attorney General - General Law - Chicago

Assistant Attorney General - General Law - Chicago

Illinois Attorney General

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

General Law Bureau Attorney Position

The General Law Bureau represents the interests of the State of Illinois and its people in civil trial litigation. The Bureau functions as a defense law firm for the State of Illinois, its officers, agencies and employees. Examples of the areas of law include personal injury, property damage, injunction cases, administrative hearings and reviews, declaratory judgment actions, federal and state civil rights cases, class actions, bankruptcy and employment discrimination matters, contract law, construction law, tort law, securities regulations, labor law, prisoners' rights, election law, license revocations, banking and constitutional law. In addition to its defense functions, the Bureau routinely prosecutes certain types of proceedings such as actions to enforce labor laws and actions to enforce licensing laws.

The General Law Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General's Office is seeking attorneys with sound judgment and excellent research and writing skills. A strong candidate will have a demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for trial work and will also have 2 or more years of litigation experience, especially federal court civil rights or employment litigation experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Salary: Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $84,480 to $107,550.

To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample. Should you have any questions, please contact us:

Attn: Thor Y. Inouye Office of the Illinois Attorney General 115 S. LaSalle St. Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 814-3695 (312) 814-5024 (Fax) attorneyhiring@ilag.gov

Apply