Joyce Vance is a distinguished legal expert and former federal prosecutor who served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama from 2009 to 2017. Nominated by President Barack Obama, she made history as the first female U.S. attorney in this district. During her tenure, Vance was instrumental in prosecuting significant cases, including the first material support of terrorism case in Alabama, which set a precedent in the region. Her leadership in the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys further showcased her commitment to enhancing criminal justice practices across the nation.

Before her appointment as U.S. attorney, Vance dedicated 18 years to the Northern District of Alabama as an assistant U.S. attorney. She excelled in the Criminal Division, where she successfully prosecuted high-profile cases, including public corruption and civil rights violations. Vance’s establishment of the first civil rights enforcement unit in an Alabama U.S. attorney’s office marked a significant advancement in protecting citizens’ rights. Her proactive approach to community issues, such as heroin overdoses, led to the formation of a collaborative working group that effectively addressed the crisis.

After leaving her role as U.S. attorney, Vance transitioned to academia as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer in Law at the University of Alabama School of Law, where she teaches criminal justice reform and civil rights. Additionally, she has become a prominent legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC, providing insights on critical legal matters and contributing to various legal podcasts.

Vance continues to influence the legal landscape through her writing and public speaking engagements. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, and she remains an active voice in discussions surrounding democracy and justice. As a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, Vance leverages her extensive experience to advocate for reforms that uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties.