Remembering Jessica Aber: A Tribute to a Dedicated U.S. Attorney

Jessica Aber, who served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was discovered deceased in her Alexandria home on Saturday morning. She was 43 years old.

Background on Jessica Aber

Jessica Aber was appointed U.S. Attorney in August 2021 by President Joe Biden, following a unanimous confirmation by the Senate. She held the position until she resigned upon the inauguration of President Trump on January 20, 2025.

Officers from the Alexandria Police Department responded to a call about an “unresponsive woman” at approximately 9:20 a.m. on the day of her passing. As of now, the cause of death remains undetermined and will be assessed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.

Professional Journey

Aber was a well-respected figure within the legal community, having graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2006. Her career at the Department of Justice began in 2009, where she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney handling a diverse array of cases, including financial fraud and child exploitation.

She initially worked at McGuireWoods LLP from 2007 to 2008 and served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck from 2006 to 2007. In recognition of her exceptional service, Aber received the DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in 2019.

During her tenure as U.S. Attorney, she led a team of approximately 300 personnel across various divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News, solidifying her impact on the legal landscape in Virginia.

Community Impact and Tributes

The legal community has expressed profound sorrow over Aber’s passing. U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert remarked on her unparalleled leadership, stating, “Jess was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.”

Siebert’s tribute reflected the deep admiration colleagues had for Aber, highlighting her professionalism and dedication. He mentioned, “We are heartbroken beyond words… Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard.”

The statement concluded with a commitment to uphold the values and dedication to justice that Aber exemplified throughout her career.

Conclusion

Jessica Aber leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to the legal profession and the community she served. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her death, her contributions will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by colleagues and the community alike.

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