Loretta Lynch has been nominated for the position of the new U.S. Attorney General to replace Eric Holder. If selected, Lynch would be the first black woman to be the USAG and the second black person and second woman to hold the post. She is currently the US Attorney for New York’s eastern district including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Nassau and Suffolk county on Long Island.

According to a statement from the White House press office, “Ms. Lynch is a strong, independent prosecutor who has twice led one of the most important U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country.”

Lynch is the country’s highest-ranking law enforcement official and is known for her character, toughness and sense of justice. She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and is the daughter of a pastor. She grew up in North Carolina and was one of the only black students in her elementary school. Having graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Lynch has worked for several private law firms and has been a federal prosecutor.

Lynch is well-known for the Abner Louima case which resulted in the conviction of Justin Volpe and other New York City police officers for beating and sexually assaulting the Haitian immigrant. She has also been in the limelight for filing tax evasion charges against Republican congressman Michael Grimm. The case is set to go to trial in February and Grimm has pleaded not guilty.

Dealing with corrupt lawmakers and officials seems to be Lynch’s specialty. Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. was also prosecuted by Lynch on embezzlement charges. Lynch is also known for the role she played in bringing charges against mobster Vincent Asaro and his associates. Her office has also helped convict the masterminds of the thwarted Al-Qaeeda scheme to attack the subway system in New York.

During the announcement in the Roosevelt Room President Obama said, “Loretta might be the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters and drug lords and terrorists, and still has the reputation for being a charming people person.”

Lynch stated that she is humbled ant thrilled at being selected for the position. She said that if she is confirmed by the Senate, she will work every day to safeguard the citizens of the country and their liberties and rights. Lynch lives with her husband and two step-children in Brooklyn.