Rachael Rollins is an accomplished American lawyer and politician who has held significant positions in the legal field. She served as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and previously held the role of Suffolk County District Attorney, representing Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. As Suffolk County D.A., she made history as the first woman to occupy the position and the first woman of color to serve as a Massachusetts D.A. Throughout her career, Rollins has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, emphasizing the need for positive change in the system. In July 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Rollins to become the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Following a 50-50 vote in the US Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie, Rollins was confirmed for the position. However, in May 2023, she announced her resignation due to an ethics probe that revealed multiple policy violations. Despite this setback, Rollins has made notable contributions to the legal field and remains an influential figure in advocating for criminal justice reform. Her political party is a Democratic party.
Rachael Rollins is an American lawyer and politician who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and previously held the position of Suffolk County District Attorney. She made history as the first woman to serve as Suffolk County D.A. and the first woman of color to be a Massachusetts D.A. In July 2021, she was nominated by President Joe Biden for the U.S. Attorney position and was confirmed by a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris. Known for her advocacy in criminal justice reform, Rollins announced her resignation in May 2023 following an ethics probe that revealed policy violations.
Rachael Rollins, born on March 3, 1971, in Boston, and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, is the oldest of five children. Her given name at birth is Rachael Splaine Rollins, and she has four siblings, including Jonathan and Matthew. Her father, John Rollins, was a teacher and a second-generation Irish-American, while her mother, Esther Rollins, is a first-generation American with Barbadian roots. Rachael Rollins, who is of American nationality and has an Irish-American ethnic background, is currently 52 years old as of 2023. Rollins pursued her education at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, where she completed her studies. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and African-American studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Later, she obtained a Juris Doctor from the Northeastern University School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws in labor and unemployment law from the Georgetown University Law Center.
Rachael Rollins embarked on her legal career as a law clerk under Judge Frederick Brown of the Massachusetts Appeals Court between 1997 and 1998. Following this, she served as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Board from 1999 to 2002. From 2002 to 2006, Rollins practiced law at Bingham McCutchen LLP in their Boston office. She then assumed the role of assistant United States attorney for the District of Massachusetts, contributing from 2007 to 2011. Rollins subsequently held positions of significance, serving as the general counsel to both the Massachusetts Department of Transportation from 2011 to 2013 and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority from 2012 to 2013. Additionally, she acted as the chief legal counsel to the Massachusetts Port Authority from 2013 to 2015.
During her campaign, Rachael Rollins made a commitment to decriminalize specific offenses, such as shoplifting, drug possession, property destruction, intent to distribute drugs, driving with a suspended license, and resisting arrest. She emerged victorious in the Democratic primary on September 4, 2018, surpassing four other candidates, and went on to secure a substantial victory in the general election on November 6, 2018, with 80% of the vote against independent contender Michael P. Maloney. Rollins assumed office as Suffolk County district attorney on January 2, 2019, succeeding John P. Pappas, who had been appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to complete the remainder of Daniel F. Conley's 16-year term. Throughout her tenure, Rollins implemented various initiatives to address petty crimes without resorting to incarceration and required prosecutors to visit correctional facilities. She also endorsed Tiffany Cabán, a New York City councilwoman, in the Democratic primary for Queens County District Attorney. A study conducted by economists from Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, and New York University revealed that Rollins's policy of not prosecuting nonviolent misdemeanor offenses did not lead to an increase in crime rates. In fact, it reduced the likelihood of future arrests for nonviolent misdemeanor offenders. Rollins advocated for reducing the use of cash bail but faced criticism regarding the Massachusetts Bail Fund, which secured the release of incarcerated individuals charged with violent felonies before trial. Following an alleged sexual assault committed by a person bailed out by the fund, a debate arose concerning the role of cash bail and alternatives for ensuring community safety. Rollins drew further criticism when her office increased the bail of a homeless individual charged with armed robbery after learning they would be bailed out by the fund.
In July 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Rachael Rollins to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. However, her nomination faced opposition from Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who claimed that her support for certain policies contributed to a rise in violent crime. Senator Ted Cruz also criticized her for stating that she would not prosecute certain offenses. In September 2021, a committee vote on her nomination was delayed as Cotton sought to persuade colleagues to oppose her confirmation. On September 30, 2021, her nomination stalled in committee with an 11-11 vote. Eventually, on December 8, 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris cast a tie-breaking vote to invoke cloture and confirm Rollins as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. However, the United States Marshals Service denied Rollins' request for a full-time security detail, deeming her to be at low risk of harm despite receiving death threats via email. She was sworn in on January 10, 2022.
In November 2022, the United States Department of Justice's inspector general initiated an ethics probe into Rollins' actions, including her appearance at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser, her travel, and her use of a personal cellphone. The inspector general's report, spanning 161 pages, alleges a range of misconduct by Rollins. It accuses her of disclosing nonpublic information to a journalist about a potential Justice Department investigation, accepting free tickets to a Boston Celtics game, and receiving payment from a sports and entertainment agency for flights and a stay at a luxury resort. The report also suggests that Rollins attempted to influence the outcome of a race for the Suffolk County District Attorney. Additionally, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel found that Rollins violated the Hatch Act, which restricts the political activities of government workers, on multiple occasions. In a letter to President Biden, the Special Counsel described Rollins' violations as some of the most serious the agency has ever investigated, particularly her efforts to leak non-public DOJ information to harm a political candidate. Rollins announced her resignation on May 16, 2023, effective at the end of that week.
Rachael Rollins is currently single but she was a married woman previously. As of now, she is enjoying her single life and focusing on her career. She is content and happy with her independence, dedicating her time and energy to her professional pursuits.
In the past, Rachael was married, but the couple has been separated for a decade. From her marriage, she has a 17-year-old daughter named Peyton Rollins. Despite their divorce, Rachael and her ex-husband share custody of Peyton and strive to provide her with the best upbringing possible. They have maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship, prioritizing their daughter's well-being. The decision to part ways was due to a disagreement, but they continue to work together to ensure their daughter's happiness and stability.
Rachael Rollins, a successful lawyer, and politician, has amassed an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million as of 2023. Her primary source of wealth stems from her career in the political industry. She is content with her current earnings and is satisfied with the financial rewards her hard work has brought her. With an annual income in the thousands of dollars, she has established herself as a dedicated and diligent individual within the political sphere. Rachael's commitment to her profession has allowed her to make a name for herself in the political industry, contributing to her comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Throughout her more than two decades of service in law and public service, she has accumulated a substantial amount of wealth.
Rachael Rollins is an accomplished woman known for her intelligence and dedication. In terms of her physical attributes, she stands at a height of 5'6" (168 cm) and has a weight of 76 kg (167 lbs), showcasing her confidence and presence. She possesses a beautiful appearance, with black hair and captivating dark brown eyes that enhance her overall charm. Rachael has an average body type, reflecting her focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, her shoe size is 7.5 (U.S.), further highlighting her attention to detail and personal style.
In a significant move in July 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Rachael Rollins as the US attorney for the Massachusetts district. This prestigious appointment showcased President Biden's recognition of Rachael's exceptional legal acumen and dedication to justice. As the US attorney, Rachael assumed the critical responsibility of upholding the law, safeguarding the rights of the citizens, and prosecuting federal crimes within the Massachusetts district. Her appointment marked a milestone as she became the first woman of color to hold this esteemed position, symbolizing a step forward in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the legal system. With her vast experience and unwavering commitment to equity, Rachael embraced this new role with determination, positioning herself as a formidable advocate for justice at the federal level.
Rachael Rollins embarked on her legal journey by taking on an internship with Judge Fredrick Brown, marking the initial steps of her career in law. This invaluable opportunity allowed Rachael to gain practical experience and insights within the legal system under the guidance of Judge Brown. The experience of working closely with a seasoned professional like Judge Brown not only honed her legal skills but also provided her with a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the judicial process. This early exposure undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Rachael's passion for justice and laid the foundation for her future accomplishments as a prominent figure in the legal field.
Rachael Rollins, a prominent figure in the legal field, comes from a vast and diverse multi-ethnic family. Her father, John Rollins, was a dedicated teacher and a second-generation Irish-American, instilling in Rachael a strong sense of education and heritage. Meanwhile, her mother, Esther Rollins, represents the rich cultural blend of being a first-generation American with Barbadian roots, bestowing upon Rachael a deep appreciation for her Caribbean ancestry. Rachael's upbringing within this multi-ethnic household has profoundly influenced her perspective, fostering a unique understanding of different cultures and strengthening her commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in society.
A decade ago, Rachael Rollins entered into marriage, but over time, she and her husband decided to separate. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Rachael and her ex-husband have maintained a shared commitment to their 17-year-old daughter, Peyton Rollins. Following their divorce, Rachael and her ex-husband have embraced a mutually agreed-upon custody arrangement, actively engaging in co-parenting to ensure the best upbringing for their daughter. Together, they navigate the challenges and joys of parenting, striving to provide Peyton with a nurturing and supportive environment. Rachael's dedication to her role as a mother, alongside her ex-husband's involvement, underscores their shared focus on the well-being and happiness of their daughter as they navigate this new chapter of their lives.
A few years ago, Rachael received the devastating news of a breast cancer diagnosis, prompting her to embark on a challenging journey of resilience and healing. Enduring multiple surgeries and undergoing various treatments, Rachael faced the formidable battle against cancer with unwavering strength and determination. Through her unwavering spirit and the support of her loved ones, she emerged triumphant in her fight against the disease. Today, Rachael stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, having achieved a complete recovery from breast cancer. Her personal experience has undoubtedly shaped her perspective, instilling in her an even deeper appreciation for life and driving her passion to advocate for improved healthcare access and support for cancer patients and survivors.