A significant leadership transition looms at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut as the Biden administration enters its final days.
According to NBC Connecticut, United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery has announced her resignation, effective January 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., just days before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
Avery, who has served as the 54th U.S. Attorney since her appointment by President Joe Biden and subsequent swearing-in on May 9, 2022, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Her departure marks the end of a distinguished tenure that has seen significant developments in the Connecticut judicial landscape.
Avery's professional journey includes notable positions that have significantly influenced Connecticut's legal framework. Prior to her role as U.S. Attorney, she served as the Associate Attorney General and Chief of the Division of Enforcement and Public Protection at the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. Her extensive legal background encompasses roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division and positions with prestigious law firms.
The Yale University and Georgetown University Law Center graduate has maintained a commitment to public service throughout her career. Her experience spans various sectors, including work as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and positions with prominent law firms McCarter & English LLP and Cummings & Lockwood LLC.
In her farewell statement, Avery said:
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as United States Attorney, and I am profoundly appreciative of President Biden for trusting me to serve our nation and the people of Connecticut in this position.
Marc H. Silverman, who has been serving as First Assistant U.S. Attorney since May 2024, will step into the role of Acting U.S. Attorney. His appointment as the 55th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut builds upon his extensive experience within the office, which began in 2010. Silverman's career progression includes serving as Deputy Chief of the Office's Appellate Division from 2014 to 2022 and as Chief of the Criminal Division from 2022 to May 2024.
Addressing the transition, Avery expressed confidence in her successor's capabilities. She emphasized the office's continued commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards under Silverman's leadership.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal acknowledged Avery's contributions in a statement:
I regret, but fully understand, Vanessa Avery's departure, and I am grateful for her dedicated, highly successful service as U.S. Attorney. Her leadership has been insightful and incisive – inspiring to her excellent team working to protect public safety and the rule of law.
The change in leadership coincides with broader transitions in federal administration as President-elect Trump prepares to take office. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy plan to make recommendations to the incoming president through their bipartisan selection committee, ensuring continued strong leadership in Connecticut's federal justice system.
Silverman, with his Yale University and Yale Law School credentials, brings extensive experience to the position. His background in appellate and criminal divisions positions him well to maintain continuity in the office's operations and priorities.
This leadership evolution occurs at a crucial time for Connecticut's federal justice system. The transition team has emphasized maintaining operational continuity while preparing for potential policy shifts under the new administration.
Vanessa Roberts Avery's resignation as U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut marks the end of her tenure under the Biden administration, with her departure set for January 17, 2025. The transition to Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman, a veteran of the office since 2010, ensures continuity in Connecticut's federal justice operations. As the office prepares for changes under the incoming Trump administration, Senators Blumenthal and Murphy are poised to make recommendations for the permanent position through their bipartisan selection committee.
