Finley makes history as first woman to hold post

Stephanie Finley, a prominent lawyer whose community service mirrors her dedication to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, was selected by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Attorney for Louisiana's Western District. In assuming this position, she becomes the first woman in the state to be appointed as a U.S. Attorney. She was nominated by the state's U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.

In this historic role, Finley is charged with the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government and the prosecution and defense of civil cases where the U.S. is a party.

Her confirmation continues a distinguished 18-year career that has seen her practice law in the federal arena as a Judge Advocate and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She is currently senior litigation counsel for the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Lafayette, where she previously served as acting Deputy Chief. In her 14+ years with the Justice Department, Finley prosecuted cases involving white collar crimes, violent crimes, environmental crimes, drug trafficking, public corruption and tax evasion. As a passionate advocate for cultivating the next generation of legal leaders, she was also responsible for the district's training and mentoring program.

In addition, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. She is currently assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, where she serves as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate and the Senior Individual Mobilization Augmentee. She previously served four years on active duty at England Air Force Base and Shaw Air Force Base.

A graduate of Grambling State, she was selected as one of the nation's Distinguished Graduates of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. She received her J.D. from Southern University Law Center, where she was Editor in Chief of the Law Review.

Finley has been recognized for her long-standing dedication and commitment to the community and was honored as a 2006 "Top 20 Under 40" recipient, one of Lafayette's "Women Who Mean Business" and a 2010 National Association of University Women "Person of Excellence." She serves as the Criminal Bar Examiner for the Louisiana Bar and is a frequent youth conference lecturer on the local and state level, sharing with young adults and students the perils of drug involvement.

Her passion for service reflects her devotion to the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is a member of the Lafayette chapter (Eta Chi Omega) and, demonstrating the leadership that is credited with her ascension in the legal domain, has served as president of her chapter and on a variety of regional committees.

Totally humbled by the selection, Finley said: "I am honored that President Obama has selected me and the Senate has confirmed my nomination to serve the people of the Western District of Louisiana as the U.S. Attorney. Working for the Department as a prosecutor for the last 14 years has been an extraordinary experience. I now look forward to leading this dedicated group of men and women in their tireless pursuit of justice. I am grateful to Sen. Landrieu for her support throughout this process."