Sally Yates is a former United States Attorney who served under President Barack Obama from 2010 to 2017. She is known for her strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and her unwavering dedication to justice. Yates is a respected figure in the legal profession, and her career has been marked by a number of notable achievements.
Early Life and Education
Sally Quillian Yates was born on August 20, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up in a family of lawyers, and her father, Kelley Quillian, was a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals. Yates attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1982. She went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1986.
Early Career
Yates began her legal career as a clerk for Judge James Hill on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. After completing her clerkship, she joined the law firm of King & Spalding in Atlanta, where she focused on commercial litigation. In 1989, Yates joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia as an Assistant United States Attorney.
United States Attorney
In 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Yates to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. She was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate and took office on March 10, 2010. As U.S. Attorney, Yates oversaw a number of high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Atlanta Public Schools officials for cheating on standardized tests.
Deputy Attorney General
In January 2015, Yates was appointed as Deputy Attorney General of the United States by President Obama. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Justice Department and for advising the Attorney General on legal matters. Yates served as Deputy Attorney General until January 2017.
The Trump Administration
In January 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General of the United States. Yates, as Deputy Attorney General, was tasked with leading the Justice Department until Sessions' confirmation. On January 30, 2017, Yates was fired by President Trump after she instructed the Justice Department not to defend his controversial travel ban.
Courage and Integrity
Sally Yates is widely admired for her courage and integrity. Her decision to challenge President Trump's travel ban was widely praised by legal experts and civil rights advocates. Yates' commitment to the rule of law and her dedication to justice have made her a role model for many aspiring lawyers and public servants.
Conclusion
Sally Yates is a remarkable public servant who has dedicated her career to upholding the rule of law and fighting for justice. Her accomplishments as a U.S. Attorney and as Deputy Attorney General have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues in the legal profession. Yates' courage and integrity in the face of political pressure have made her a hero to many Americans who value the principles of justice and fairness.