Former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins Suspended from practicing Law in Massachusetts

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 Jerry Filmore

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Rachael Rollins, who made history as the first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, now faces a suspension from practicing law in the state. The suspension stems from her failure to pay registration fees, according to court documents.

Initially appointed in January 2022, Rollins’ tenure as U.S. attorney lasted a mere 16 months before she resigned amid allegations of ethics violations. An investigation by the Justice Department’s inspector general found Rollins in violation of the Hatch Act, accusing her of using her position to undermine political opponents.

Among the accusations was Rollins’ alleged leaking of information to the media with the intent to sabotage the campaign of her successor as Suffolk County’s district attorney. This alleged misconduct raised concerns about an abuse of power during her time in office.

Rollins’ departure from the federal prosecutor’s role led her to a new position as a special projects administrator at Roxbury Community College. In this role, she is tasked with overseeing the development of initiatives to support formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly focusing on women of color. With her extensive legal and leadership background spanning over 25 years, Rollins brings valuable experience to this grant-funded position.

Despite her transition to a new role, Rollins now faces a suspension from practicing law due to nonpayment of registration fees. This development underscores the challenges she continues to navigate following her resignation from the U.S. attorney position.

While Rollins’ suspension highlights the consequences of failing to meet professional obligations, her commitment to serving marginalized communities remains evident in her work at Roxbury Community College. As she embarks on this new chapter, Rollins’ contributions to supporting reentry initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals are poised to make a meaningful impact on the community.

The details of Rollins’ suspension shed light on the complexities of maintaining professional licensure and the importance of upholding ethical standards within the legal profession. As Rollins continues to navigate the aftermath of her resignation, her dedication to advancing social justice initiatives remains a defining aspect of her career trajectory.