Rachael Rollins is the first woman to ever be elected District Attorney in the history of Suffolk County, Massachusetts (circa 1806) and the first woman of color ever elected DA in Massachusetts and New England. Rachael is also the first Black woman ever Presidentially nominated and United States Senate confirmed to be United States Attorney in the history of Massachusetts (circa 1789) and New England. In those two roles, she served as the chief law enforcement officer for all local law enforcement in Suffolk County (as DA) and all federal law enforcement in Massachusetts (as U.S. Attorney).
Rachael boldly and fiercely advocated for the people and communities least represented in – but most aggressively prosecuted by – these two offices. Her focus was always on victims, community safety and the overall health and well-being of the people living where the violence and harm happens. She demanded that everyone have the same access and outcomes from the DA’s and U.S Attorney’s Offices as the wealthy, connected and privileged.
As DA, Rachael created an Integrity Review Bureau that undid over 400 years of wrongful and unjust convictions. She sued ICE, resulting in Massachusetts becoming the first state in the entire country to ban civil, federal arrests in and around state courthouses. And, she fought tirelessly and successfully to end Life Without Parole in Massachusetts for individuals under 21 years old. As United States Attorney, Rachael created New England’s first standalone Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit, which is currently prosecuting the most human trafficking cases in the country. She required every federal prosecutor in her office to visit a prison or jail, vastly improved diversity and community engagement in the Office, and served as the National Vice-Chair of Civil Rights for the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee until her resignation in May 2023.
Currently, Rachael is creating a program at Roxbury Community College specifically focused on engaging and supporting people adversely impacted by the criminal legal system. Participants can pursue their associate’s degree, receive certification through an array of workforce development programs, or enroll in an intensive self-improvement and leadership course that incorporates experiential learning, restorative justice and interactive instruction resulting in a certificate of completion.
Rachael is the proud mother, auntie, and guardian of three wonderful girls.