First Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will assume the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia starting December 21, 2024, following the resignation of United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. This transition occurs under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Christopher R. Kavanaugh expressed confidence in Lee's qualifications: “For two decades, Zach Lee has served the Western District of Virginia with honor, distinction, and dedication as an Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Chief, and most recently as First Assistant United States Attorney,” he stated. “There is nobody more qualified to serve in this role.”
Zachary T. Lee shared his thoughts on taking over from Kavanaugh: “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,” he remarked. “We are sad to see Chris leave the Western District after more than a decade of service, but I promise to keep the men and women who work here focused on the priorities he’s put in place.”
Lee's career at the Department of Justice began in 2005 when he joined as a Special Assistant United States Attorney before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney in 2007. His experience includes prosecuting complex narcotics cases and other criminal matters. He has also held leadership roles within the district.
Before joining the Department of Justice, Lee was an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bristol, Virginia and served as a law clerk to Judge James P. Jones.
Lee holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University.