Loretta Lynch

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Loretta Lynch
Official portrait, 2015
Loretta Lynch
BornLoretta Elizabeth Lynch
21 5, 1959
BirthplaceGreensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAttorney, government official
Known for83rd United States Attorney General; first African-American woman confirmed as Attorney General
EducationHarvard University (BA, JD)

Loretta Elizabeth Lynch (born May 21, 1959) is an American attorney who served as the 83rd United States Attorney General from April 2015 to January 2017, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position.[1] Appointed by President Barack Obama to succeed Eric Holder, Lynch brought to the office decades of experience as a federal prosecutor and litigator. She previously served two terms as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York—first from 1999 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton, and again from 2010 to 2015 under President Obama—overseeing federal prosecutions across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island.[2] A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Lynch built a career that spanned private practice, public service, and corporate governance, including a term on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. After leaving the Department of Justice in 2017, she returned to private legal practice. Her confirmation as Attorney General was recognized as a historic milestone, and she has been featured in Time magazine's "Firsts" multimedia project celebrating women who broke barriers in American public life.[3]

Early Life

Loretta Elizabeth Lynch was born on May 21, 1959, in Greensboro, North Carolina.[1] She grew up in the American South during the era of the Civil rights movement, an experience that shaped her understanding of law, justice, and equality. Her father was a Baptist minister who had been active in the civil rights movement, and her mother was a school librarian.[4] Lynch has spoken publicly about how her father opened his church in Durham, North Carolina, during the 1960s to serve as a meeting place for civil rights activists and students organizing sit-ins and protest marches.[5]

Growing up in the segregated South, Lynch witnessed firsthand the role that the law could play both as an instrument of oppression and as a tool for achieving justice. These formative experiences contributed to her decision to pursue a career in law. As a child, she accompanied her father to courtrooms, where she observed legal proceedings and developed an early interest in the judicial system.[6]

Lynch's upbringing in a household that valued education, community service, and civic engagement set the foundation for her later career in public service. Her family's involvement in the civil rights movement instilled in her a commitment to equal justice under the law that would become a defining theme throughout her professional life.

Education

Lynch attended Harvard College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree.[1] She continued her studies at Harvard Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor (JD) degree.[2] During her time at Harvard, Lynch was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically African-American sorority.[7]

Her Harvard legal education provided Lynch with a rigorous intellectual foundation that prepared her for a career in both private practice and federal prosecution. After completing law school, she relocated to New York City, where she would spend the majority of her professional career.

In May 2025, Boston University School of Law announced that Lynch would serve as its 2025 commencement speaker, recognizing her career and contributions to American jurisprudence.[8]

Career

Early Legal Career and Federal Prosecution

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Lynch practiced law in New York before entering public service. In 1990, she joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York as a federal prosecutor.[6] Over the course of the decade, she rose through the ranks of the office, handling a range of cases and gaining extensive trial experience. Her work as a prosecutor covered areas including public corruption, narcotics trafficking, and civil rights violations.

Lynch's capabilities as a prosecutor drew attention within the Department of Justice, and she steadily assumed greater responsibilities within the Eastern District office. Her prosecutorial work in Brooklyn, which handles cases arising from a jurisdiction encompassing Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island, gave her broad experience with the federal criminal justice system.[2]

First Term as U.S. Attorney (1999–2001)

In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed Lynch as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, making her the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district.[2] She served in this role from June 2, 1999, to May 2, 2001, succeeding Zachary W. Carter.[4] During her first tenure, Lynch oversaw a wide array of federal prosecutions and managed one of the busiest U.S. Attorney's offices in the country.

After leaving the U.S. Attorney's office in 2001, Lynch returned to private legal practice. She was succeeded by Roslynn R. Mauskopf.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Private Practice

From 2003 to 2005, Lynch served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where she participated in the governance and oversight of one of the most important institutions in the American financial system.[6] This experience gave her exposure to financial regulation and economic policy, complementing her background in criminal law and federal prosecution.

During her years in private practice between her two tenures as U.S. Attorney, Lynch worked at prominent law firms in New York, handling complex litigation and corporate matters. Her dual experience in both the public and private sectors made her a well-rounded legal professional with expertise in both criminal and civil law.

Second Term as U.S. Attorney (2010–2015)

In 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Lynch to serve again as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. She was appointed on May 8, 2010, succeeding Benton J. Campbell.[2] Her second tenure proved to be a period of high-profile prosecutions and enforcement actions.

During this period, Lynch's office handled significant cases spanning terrorism, public corruption, cybercrime, and civil rights. The Eastern District under her leadership pursued aggressive enforcement actions against financial fraud and organized crime. Her office also became involved in cases with national and international implications.

One of the most notable areas of Lynch's work during her second term involved civil rights matters in New York City. Following the July 2014 death of Eric Garner during an arrest by New York City Police Department officers on Staten Island, Lynch's office played a role in examining the case at the federal level.[9] The case, which became a flashpoint in the national debate over policing and race, drew intense public attention. Lynch's office was recognized for its efforts to engage with affected communities while conducting a thorough legal review.[10]

Lynch served in this position until April 27, 2015, when she was sworn in as Attorney General. She was succeeded as U.S. Attorney by Robert Capers.

Nomination and Confirmation as Attorney General

On November 8, 2014, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Lynch to serve as the 83rd Attorney General of the United States, succeeding Eric Holder.[5] Obama praised Lynch's qualifications and her long record of public service, noting her extensive experience as a federal prosecutor.[11]

Lynch's confirmation process, however, became protracted and politically contentious. The nomination was announced in November 2014, but her confirmation vote did not take place until April 2015—a delay of more than five months that became a subject of significant public debate. In February 2015, the Senate Judiciary Committee recommended her confirmation by a 12–8 vote, with all Democratic members and three Republican members voting in favor.[12]

Senator Rand Paul was among the Republican members who raised concerns during the confirmation process, particularly regarding Lynch's views on executive authority and immigration policy.[13] Despite the opposition, Lynch was confirmed by the full Senate on April 23, 2015, by a vote of 56–43, making her the first African-American woman to be confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.[12] She was sworn in on April 27, 2015.

Tenure as Attorney General (2015–2017)

Lynch's tenure as Attorney General was marked by a number of significant law enforcement actions, policy initiatives, and civil rights investigations. She served with Sally Yates as her Deputy Attorney General.

FIFA Corruption Case

One of the most internationally prominent cases during Lynch's tenure was the prosecution of corruption within FIFA, the international governing body of association football (soccer). The Department of Justice under Lynch brought sweeping charges against FIFA officials, alleging racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracies that spanned decades. Lynch personally announced the charges, which resulted in the indictment of numerous high-ranking FIFA officials and associates. The case drew worldwide attention and was credited with exposing systemic corruption within the organization.[14]

Charleston Church Shooting

Following the June 2015 mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in which nine African-American churchgoers were killed by Dylann Roof, Lynch's Department of Justice brought federal hate crime charges against the perpetrator. Roof was indicted on 33 federal counts, including hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religion.[15] The case represented one of the most significant federal hate crime prosecutions in recent American history.

Orlando Nightclub Shooting

In June 2016, Lynch oversaw the federal response to the mass shooting at Pulse, a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which left 49 people dead and 53 wounded. Lynch stated that the investigation into the shooter, Omar Mateen, was moving forward and involved multiple federal agencies.[16] The Department of Justice also released transcripts and investigative materials related to the shooting, though the handling of those releases became a matter of public discussion.[17]

Oregon Standoff

During the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon by armed militia members led by Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy, Lynch's Department of Justice filed federal charges against the occupiers. The standoff, which lasted 41 days, involved armed individuals taking over a federal wildlife refuge in protest of federal land management policies. Lynch announced the filing of federal charges related to the occupation.[18]

Chicago Police Investigation

Lynch's Department of Justice conducted a civil rights investigation into the Chicago Police Department (CPD), examining patterns and practices of unconstitutional policing. The investigation, which Lynch was expected to announce the details of, examined issues including the use of excessive force and discriminatory policing practices.[19] The investigation resulted in findings of systemic civil rights violations and contributed to reform efforts within the department.

Supreme Court Consideration

In March 2016, following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Lynch was mentioned as a potential nominee to fill the vacancy. However, she asked to be withdrawn from consideration for the position.[20] President Obama ultimately nominated Merrick Garland for the seat, though the nomination was not acted upon by the Republican-controlled Senate.

Community Engagement

Throughout her tenure, Lynch traveled extensively across the United States, visiting communities and meeting with local law enforcement agencies. She visited cities including Mobile, Alabama, as part of her engagement with communities on issues of public safety and criminal justice.[21]

Lynch's tenure as Attorney General ended on January 20, 2017, with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. She was succeeded by Jeff Sessions.

Post-Government Career

After leaving the Department of Justice, Lynch returned to private legal practice. In May 2019, the law firm Paul, Weiss announced that Lynch would be joining the firm as a partner in its litigation department.[1]

Lynch has continued to engage in public life following her government service. In January 2025, she delivered remarks at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day service at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, the same church where King had once preached.[22] In May 2025, she was selected as the commencement speaker at Boston University School of Law, where the law school recognized her contributions to American legal practice and public service.[8]

Personal Life

Lynch is a resident of New York, where she has lived for most of her professional career.[6] She maintains a relatively private personal life and has not widely discussed her family circumstances in public forums. Lynch has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority since her college years.

She has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about the influence of her upbringing in North Carolina on her approach to law and justice. Her father's work as a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, and her mother's career as a librarian, are themes she has referenced in public addresses to illustrate the values that guided her career in public service.[5]

Lynch has also participated in media interviews and public events discussing topics ranging from criminal justice reform to civil rights. In a 2016 interview on the BBC, she discussed her role and the work of the Department of Justice.[23]

Recognition

Lynch's confirmation as the 83rd Attorney General made her the first African-American woman to hold the position, a milestone that received extensive coverage in the American media and was recognized as a significant moment in the history of the Department of Justice.[1][3]

Time magazine featured Lynch in its "Firsts" multimedia project, which profiles women who broke barriers in various fields of American life. The project highlighted her role as the first Black woman to serve as the nation's chief law enforcement officer.[3]

The AFRO American Newspapers described Lynch as a "strong civil rights defender" at the time of her nomination, citing her record of pursuing civil rights cases as a federal prosecutor.[11]

Lynch's selection as the 2025 commencement speaker at Boston University School of Law reflected continued recognition of her legal career and public service contributions years after leaving government office. The law school described her as a figure whose career exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession.[8]

During Black History Month, Lynch has been recognized by various media outlets and organizations for her historic achievements and contributions to American public life.[24]

Legacy

Loretta Lynch's career represents a series of firsts and achievements in American law and government. As the first African-American woman confirmed as Attorney General, she broke a barrier in a position that had existed since the founding of the republic in 1789. Her tenure at the Department of Justice encompassed some of the most significant law enforcement actions and civil rights investigations of the Obama administration, including the FIFA corruption prosecutions, federal hate crime charges in the Charleston church shooting case, and pattern-and-practice investigations of police departments.

Her two separate terms as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, spanning three presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush, and Obama), demonstrated a bipartisan recognition of her prosecutorial abilities. The Eastern District office under her leadership handled cases of national and international significance, establishing her reputation as a capable and experienced federal prosecutor before she ascended to the nation's top law enforcement position.

Lynch's career also reflected broader themes in American history regarding race, gender, and access to the highest levels of government service. Her path from Greensboro, North Carolina—a city that was central to the civil rights movement—to the office of Attorney General has been cited as emblematic of the progress made in American society while also underscoring the barriers that remained for women and people of color in government.[3]

After leaving government, Lynch's continued engagement in public life through legal practice, public speaking, and participation in civic events has maintained her visibility as a figure in American law and public discourse.[22][8]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Loretta Lynch".Encyclopædia Britannica.https://www.britannica.com/topic/Loretta-Lynch.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Meet the U.S. Attorney".United States Department of Justice.https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/meet-us-attorney.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Loretta Lynch: The First Black Woman to Become U.S. Attorney General".Time.https://time.com/collections/firsts/4898556/loretta-lynch-firsts/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Loretta Lynch, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney, Will Be Nominated As Next Attorney General".HuffPost.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/loretta-lynch-attorney-general_n_6058252.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Obama Loretta Lynch Attorney General".HuffPost.2014-11-07.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/obama-loretta-lynch-attorney-general_n_6124390.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Meet Loretta E. Lynch".Main Justice.2010-02-12.http://www.mainjustice.com/2010/02/12/meet-loretta-e-lynch/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Xi Tau History".Delta Sigma Theta Xi Tau Chapter.https://sites.google.com/site/dstxitau/xitauhistory.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "Former US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch Is BU Law's 2025 Commencement Speaker".Boston University School of Law.2025-05-02.https://www.bu.edu/law/record/articles/2025/attorney-general-lynch-2025-commencement-speaker/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Family of Man Killed by NYPD Chokehold Talks to Feds".Brooklyn Eagle.2014-08-22.http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2014/8/22/family-man-killed-nypd-chokehold-talks-feds.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Calls for Calm Ahead of Staten Island Rally in NYC".Faith in New York.http://www.faithinnewyork.org/news/calls-for-calm-ahead-of-staten-island-rally-in-nyc.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "AG Nominee Loretta Lynch Called Strong Civil Rights Defender".AFRO American Newspapers.https://afro.com/ag-nominee-loretta-lynch-called-strong-civil-rights-defender/barack-obama-eric-holder-loretta-lynch/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Loretta Lynch confirmed as attorney general after long delay".CNN.2015-04-23.http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/23/politics/loretta-lynch-attorney-general-vote/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Rand Paul Loretta Lynch".HuffPost.2015-02-04.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/04/rand-paul-loretta-lynch_n_6618346.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Talked FIFA Corruption on Men in Blazers".Awful Announcing.2016.http://awfulannouncing.com/2016/u-s-attorney-general-loretta-lynch-talked-fifa-corruption-on-men-in-blazers.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "AG Lynch: Dylann Roof Indicted on 33 Counts of Hate Crime Charges".NBC News.http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-shooting/ag-lynch-dylann-roof-indicted-33-counts-hate-crime-charges-n396681.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Attorney General Says Omar Mateen Investigation Moving Forward".ABC 7 Chicago.2016.http://abc7chicago.com/news/attorney-general-says-omar-mateen-investigation-moving-forward/1392164/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Orlando nightclub shooting".CNN.2016-06-21.http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/21/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Malheur Refuge Occupation Charges, Loretta Lynch".Oregon Public Broadcasting.http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/malheur-refuge-occupation-charges-loretta-lynch/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Loretta Lynch Expected to Announce Details of Justice Department's CPD Investigation".NBC Chicago.http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Loretta-Lynch-Expected-to-Announce-Details-of-Justice-Departments-CPD-Investigation-360789401.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Loretta Lynch Asks to Be Withdrawn from SCOTUS Consideration".The Root.2016-03.http://www.theroot.com/articles/news/2016/03/loretta_lynch_asks_to_be_withdrawn_from_scotus_consideration/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Reports: Attorney General Loretta Lynch to Visit Mobile".WKRG.2016-04-28.http://wkrg.com/2016/04/28/reports-attorney-general-loretta-lynch-to-visit-mobile/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch speaks at MLK service in Harlem".CBS News New York.https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/former-u-s-attorney-general-loretta-lynch-speaks-at-mlk-service-in-harlem/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Loretta Lynch BBC Interview".BBC.http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05spk32.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Black History Month Spotlight: Loretta Lynch".Audacy.https://www.audacy.com/102jamz/latest/black-history-month-spotlight-loretta-lynch.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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