Jennifer May-Parker Awarded Federal Bar Association Excellence Award, Assumes New Role as Chief Counsel for Litigation

DOJ Press

RALEIGH, N.C. – Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina is pleased to announce that the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of North Carolina Chapter, has awarded Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer P. May-Parker the 2022 Judge David Daniel Award for Excellence in the Legal Community.  Today’s announcement coincides with May-Parker’s assumption of her new role as Chief Counsel for Litigation.

The Judge David Daniel Award for Excellence in the Legal Community was created by the Federal Bar Association in memory of Magistrate Judge Daniel to honor lawyers who exemplify integrity, commitment, and service to the legal community. The award honors one attorney each year who has shown a commitment to the legal profession, to the Eastern District of North Carolina, to the clients they serve, and to their community.  To qualify, a nominee must practice in the Eastern District of North Carolina and exemplify the ideals of the legal profession and further the goals of equal justice under the law.

May-Parker has a lengthy record of success as a prosecutor and has shattered barriers in her career.  She is the first woman, the first lawyer of color, and first federal prosecutor to receive this award.  She began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York City (Manhattan) District Attorney’s Office.  She then served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Environmental Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice.  In 2013, May-Parker was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as a United States District Judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This year will mark May-Parker’s 23rd with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

During her tenure in the Office, May-Parker has been a criminal trial attorney, an appellate attorney, the Chief of the Appellate Division, the First Assistant United States Attorney, the Diversity Chairperson, and a HOPE Court Team member.  She has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, written hundreds of briefs (and reviewed hundreds more) and argued many cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.   May-Parker also served as a member of DOJ’s Appellate Chief’s Working Group, which provides advice to the Department on legal strategy and key issues.


May-Parker recently assumed the role of Chief Counsel for Litigation at the United States Attorney’s Office, a senior leadership role.  In this role she will lead the Litigation Support and Victim-Witness Assistance Sections, lead the office’s training and mentorship programs for AUSAs, and take on special litigative projects in the areas of economic crimes and civil rights.   


U.S. Attorney Easley stated, “We are all inspired by Jennifer’s accomplished career and dedication in serving others.  Jennifer is always so willing to share her time, talent, and expertise to see justice done and to support her colleagues in the legal community.  She is a great team player, and I am honored that she continues to work so hard for the people of Eastern North Carolina.”

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