Solicitor General of the United States
The Solicitor General of the United States, the fourth-highest-ranking official within the United States Department of Justice, represents the federal government in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Elizabeth Prelogar has served in the role since October 28, 2021.
| Solicitor General of the United States | |
|---|---|
Flag of the United States Solicitor General | |
| Department of Justice | |
| Style | Mr. or Madam Solicitor General |
| Reports to | Attorney General |
| Seat | Supreme Court Building and Department of Justice Headquarters |
| Appointer | The President with Senate advice and consent |
| Constituting instrument | 28 U.S.C. ยง 505 |
| Formation | October 1870 |
| First holder | Benjamin Bristow |
| Deputy | Principal Deputy Solicitor General |
| Website | justice.gov/osg |
The solicitor general is appointed by the president and reports directly to the U.S. Attorney General.
The Office of the Solicitor General argues on behalf of the government in virtually every case in which the United States is a party, and also argues in most of the cases in which the government has filed an amicus brief. In the federal courts of appeal, the Office of the Solicitor General reviews cases decided against the United States and determines whether the government will seek review in the Supreme Court. The solicitor general's office also reviews cases decided against the United States in the federal district courts and approves every case in which the government files an appeal.