The Honorable Todd Blanche A steadfast legal mind leads with resilience and a profound commitment to justice, serves as a prominent figure in the American legal landscape, currently holding the significant responsibility of Acting United States Attorney General. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, having balanced his early career as a paralegal in the Southern District of New York with the rigours of attending Brooklyn Law School at night. This foundational experience instilled in him a deep respect for the daily operations of the justice system, shaping him into a leader who understands the value of every role within the Department of Justice.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Blanche has earned a reputation for professional excellence and a fierce dedication to the principles of fairness. Before his elevation to the national stage, he served for nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor, where he tackled complex cases involving violent crimes and financial fraud with characteristic poise.His transition into private practice saw him represent high-profile individuals with a tenacious spirit, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenging cases that required both legal brilliance and personal courage in the face of intense public scrutiny.
The leadership of Todd Blanche is marked by a clear vision for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of the nation’s citizens. Upon assuming the role of Deputy Attorney General in early 2025, he immediately focused on critical national priorities, including the reinforcement of border security and the protection of American interests. His ability to navigate the intricacies of the federal legal system while maintaining a steady and calm demeanor has made him a trusted advisor at the highest levels of government and a motivating example for legal professionals across the country.
Beyond his professional accolades, Mr Blanche is recognised by his peers as a fundamentally decent and principled individual who puts the core values of integrity and honesty into practice every day. His career has been defined by a series of bold decisions, including his move to join the administration during a transformative period in American history. This commitment to public service and his proactive approach to law enforcement reflect a leader who is deeply invested in the long-term stability and justice of the society he serves.
The United States Department of Justice stands as the preeminent guardian of the American legal system, serving as the definitive voice for federal law enforcement and the administration of justice. Established formally in 1870, this executive department operates under the leadership of the Attorney General, acting as the legal counsel for the citizens of the nation.It is a vast network of dedicated public servants, including thousands of attorneys and agents, who work tirelessly to ensure that the principles of fairness and accountability are applied across every state and territory.
At its core, the department is dedicated to the preservation of the rule of law, protecting the country from foreign and domestic threats while safeguarding the fundamental civil liberties of all individuals. Its diverse components, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Civil Rights Division, reflect a deep commitment to modern safety and historical progress. By prosecuting criminal and civil cases, the department reinforces the concept that no person or entity is above the law, fostering a society built on the bedrock of constitutional integrity.
For visitors and citizens alike, the department offers an inspiring look into the machinery of democracy and the constant refinement of the American judicial process. It provides essential leadership to state, local, and tribal partners, ensuring a unified approach to public safety and the prevention of crime. Engaging with the work of this institution offers a sense of security and a renewed appreciation for the structured liberties that define the nation, inviting everyone to witness the active defense of the public interest.
The Office of the Attorney General was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 (ch. 20, sec. 35, 1 Stat. 73, 92-93), as a one-person part-time position. The Act specified that the Attorney General was to be “learned in the law,” with the duty “to prosecute and conduct all suits in the Supreme Court in which the United States shall be concerned, and to give his advice and opinion upon questions of law when required by the President of the United States, or when requested by the heads of any of the departments, touching any matters that may concern their departments.” However, the workload quickly became too much for one person, necessitating the hiring of several assistants for the Attorney General. As the work steadily increased along with the size of the new nation, private attorneys were retained to work on cases.
By 1870, after the end of the Civil War, the increase in the amount of litigation involving the United States had required the very expensive retention of a large number of private attorneys to handle the workload. A concerned Congress passed the Act to Establish the Department of Justice (ch. 150, 16 Stat. 162), creating “an executive department of the government of the United States” with the Attorney General as its head.
Officially coming into existence on July 1, 1870, the Department of Justice was empowered to handle all criminal prosecutions and civil suits in which the United States had an interest. To assist the Attorney General, the 1870 Act also created the Office of the Solicitor General, who represents the interests of the United States before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 1870 Act remains the foundation for the Department’s authority, but the structure of the Department of Justice has changed over the years, with the addition of the offices of Deputy Attorney General, Associate Attorney General, and the formation of various components, offices, boards and divisions. From its beginning as a one-man, part-time position, the Department of Justice has evolved into the world’s largest law office and the chief enforcer of federal laws. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The most sacred of the duties of government [is] to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens.” This sacred duty remains the guiding principle for the women and men of the U.S. Department of Justice.
150 Years of the Department of Justice A historical timeline created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Department of Justice, spanning from its beginnings in 1789 to the Department’s founding in 1870 to today. Attorneys General Throughout History Eighty-five distinguished Americans have served as Attorney General. Learn more about these honored individuals: Attorneys General Throughout History. Art and Architecture of the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Department Building For the 75th anniversary of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, this book was created dedicated to the history of the Department, the building, and its artwork. History of the Department’s Motto and Seal Read about the history of the Department of Justice’s seal and the somewhat enigmatic Latin motto appearing on it: “Qui Pro Domina Justitia Sequitur.”
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