Zachery T. Lee takes charge of Western District of Virginia’s United States Attorney’s Office
Abingdon, Virginia – The Western District of Virginia has a new leader as Zachery T. Lee took on the role of Acting United States Attorney on December 21. Lee steps into this position under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act following the resignation of United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, who had announced his departure earlier this year.
A Legacy of Dedication and Service
Lee brings two decades of experience to his new role, having served in various capacities within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. “For two decades, Zach Lee has served the Western District of Virginia with honor, distinction, and dedication,” said outgoing U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh. “There is nobody more qualified to serve in this role, and I look forward to watching the United States Attorney’s Office continue to thrive and serve the citizens of the Western District of Virginia under his leadership.”
In response, Lee expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to the district’s priorities. “In my role as the First Assistant United States Attorney, I’ve had the privilege to work side-by-side with Chris Kavanaugh on our district’s most pressing matters,” Lee said. “We are sad to see Chris leave, but I promise to keep the men and women who work here focused on the priorities he’s put in place: Keeping our District safe, ensuring civil rights, reducing gun violence, and leading complex white-collar investigations and prosecutions.”
A Career Built on Justice
Lee’s extensive career with the Department of Justice began in 2005 when he joined the Western District of Virginia’s United States Attorney’s Office as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. He was promoted to Assistant United States Attorney in 2007. Over the years, he has handled a range of cases, including narcotics, public corruption, firearms violations, and other complex criminal matters. His leadership roles have included Criminal Chief and First Assistant United States Attorney.
Prior to his work with the Department of Justice, Lee served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Bristol, Virginia, and as a law clerk for the Honorable James P. Jones, United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia.
Academic and Professional Background
Lee holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. His career reflects a steadfast dedication to justice and public service, making him a strong choice to lead the office during this transition.
As Acting United States Attorney, Lee aims to continue the district’s mission of ensuring public safety and upholding the law, building upon the solid foundation laid by his predecessor.
