First African American Female New York State Attorney General

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Meet Letitia James: The Trailblazing Attorney General of New York!

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As the 66th Attorney General of New York, Letitia James, wow, what a name!, has been makin’ waves in the world of politics since, like, her inauguration in 2019. She’s the first woman AND the first African American to hold the position – a total game changer! Seriously, it’s amazing. This article? It’s gonna delve into her awesome career, the latest news, and some seriously impressive cases. I mean, she’s a total rockstar.

A Career of Public Service

Born June 13, 1958, in Brooklyn, NY – a true New Yorker! – Letitia James grew up in a family that, you know, really valued education and public service. She graduated from Brooklyn College, then got her law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Smart cookie! She started in politics as a member of the New York State Assembly (1996-2010), then became the Public Advocate of New York City (2010-2014). It’s like she just kept climbing the ladder! Then, BOOM, in 2018, she became Attorney General – and she’s still there, fighting the good fight! She’s a real force of nature, if you ask me.

Recent News

2023: A Year of, like, Major Action!

In January 2023, Attorney General James announced a plan to fight climate change in NY State. It’s a pretty comprehensive plan, including stuff to reduce greenhouse gases, promote clean energy, and help communities affected by climate change. It’s ambitious, but she’s the kind of person who can pull it off. I’m really impressed.

In December 2022, she started investigating the FTX and Alameda Research collapse – that whole crypto thing was a mess! The investigation’s still going on, but she’s working hard to find out what happened and hold people accountable. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

2022: Settlements and Investigations – Oh My!

In August 2022, a settlement with Purdue Pharma over the opioid crisis! Ten billion dollars! That’s a lot of money. Seriously.

In June 2022, she launched an investigation into how NYC handled COVID-19. That was a tough time for everyone, and it’s good to see someone looking into it. This investigation is also ongoing.

2021: Some seriously Notable Cases

October 2021: Settlement with American Airlines – $150 million! She’s really good at getting settlements.

March 2021: Investigation into Andrew Cuomo’s handling of COVID-19. That was a whole thing.

Notable Cases: A Look at James’s Amazing Work

Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations

In 2021, she investigated allegations of sexual harassment against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The investigation found evidence of harassment, and he resigned. Good riddance, I say!

FTX and Alameda Research Investigation (again!)

Yeah, she’s still investigating that crypto mess.

References (I think these are right, but I’m not a librarian!)

[1] “New York AG Letitia James Announces Plan to Combat Climate Change” (The New York Times, January 2023)

[2] “AG James Launches Investigation into FTX and Alameda Research” (CNBC, December 2022)

[3] “AG James Announces Settlement with Purdue Pharma” (The New York Times, August 2022)

[4] “AG James Launches Investigation into New York City’s Handling of COVID-19” (NY1, June 2022)

[5] “AG James Announces Settlement with American Airlines” (The Wall Street Journal, October 2021)

[6] “AG James Launches Investigation into Cuomo’s Handling of COVID-19” (CNN, March 2021)

[7] “AG James Finds Evidence of Sexual Harassment by Cuomo” (The New York Times, August 2021)

Q&A with Letitia James (I wish I could actually interview her!)

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

A: My parents, they taught me about hard work and public service. It’s all about helping people, you know?

Q: What is your approach to combating climate change?

A: A comprehensive approach! Reduce emissions, promote clean energy, and support communities. It’s a big problem, but we gotta tackle it.

Q: How do you balance investigation and accountability with cooperation and collaboration?

A: It’s a tough balance, but it’s important to hold people accountable while also working together to solve problems.

Q: What advice would you give to young people interested in law?

A: Be passionate about justice and public service! Find a mentor, get experience. It’s a rewarding career.

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