Rachel Hernandez
Acting United States Attorney // District of Arizona
Rachel C. Hernandez is a seasoned career prosecutor, having served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Arizona since 2000. In her current role as First Assistant United States Attorney, which she continues to hold while serving as Acting U.S. Attorney, Ms. Hernandez oversees the management of the United States Attorney’s Office, including more than 300 employees. Throughout her tenure, she has also served as Section Chief, managing immigration and firearms cases in the Criminal Division, and as Executive Assistant United States Attorney, where she was responsible for community outreach, media relations, and administrative functions across the District.
Ms. Hernandez has prosecuted a diverse range of cases, including fraud, public corruption, firearms offenses, and drug trafficking organizations. She has also worked in the District’s Appellate Division, representing the government in over 50 cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In recognition of her exemplary service, Ms. Hernandez received the Director’s Award for Executive Achievement in 2023.
In addition to her prosecutorial duties, Ms. Hernandez actively contributes to the legal community. She serves on the Ninth Circuit Advisory Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, and has held leadership positions such as chairing the State Bar Public Lawyers Section and the State Bar Legal Services Committee. She also served on the Board of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education for six years, including a term as president.
Ms. Hernandez earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, and her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she was a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and an Assistant Arizona Attorney General.
Dates of Service: 2000 – Present
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