RALEIGH, N.C. – Michael F. Easley, Jr. has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Mr. Easley was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr on September 28, 2021 and confirmed by the United States Senate on November 19, 2021. He took the oath of office from United States District Judge James C. Dever III.
Mr. Easley stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney. I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes the 44 eastern most counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Mr. Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts. He represented businesses and individuals in complex, high-stakes civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. He has handled matters involving a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.
In addition to his practice in the courts, he has advised clients facing inquiries by the United States Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.
Born in Southport, North Carolina, Mr. Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While still in law school, Mr. Easley frequently prosecuted cases on behalf of the District Attorney’s office as an extern in the 10th Judicial District.
In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Mr. Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations. He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina. He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.
