First Assistant U.S. Attorney Receives National Award For Outstanding Service, Leadership Advancing The Role Of Women In Federal Law Enforcement

Press Release

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. McManus received a national award for her exceptional service in the field of federal law enforcement and her leadership advancing the role of women in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan and beyond.

"First Assistant Jennifer McManus represents the best of federal law enforcement, and I am so grateful for the more than two decades she has devoted to protecting the people of Michigan," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "In addition to her legal brilliance, helping us navigate our toughest challenges, Jennifer has been a trailblazer in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan, ensuring full opportunities for women to serve and lead at every level."

First Assistant McManus was recognized by Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE), a national organization that advocates for gender equity in federal law enforcement. WIFLE President Catrina Bonus presented McManus with the prestigious WIFLE Award for Outstanding Federal Law Enforcement Employee. This award recognizes individuals who have shown a sustained level of superior performance throughout their career and who serve as role models for women in law enforcement. The presentation took place today at a luncheon in the Washington, D.C. area as part of the organization's annual conference. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten accompanied McManus at the ceremony.

McManus completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan in 1994 and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1997. After a few years in private practice, she moved from Chicago to Grand Rapids in 2003 and began service in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She served short stints in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions as a trial attorney and was then promoted to Appellate Chief in 2009, a position she held for the next thirteen years. In 2022 she began service in her current position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, reporting directly to the U.S. Attorney and managing all aspects of the Office's work.

Throughout her career, McManus's sharp legal mind, her sweeping grasp of federal criminal law, and her written advocacy have protected the public from some of the most serious threats in our District. In addition, as a manager and role model, McManus has helped create opportunities for women in the U.S. Attorney's Office at every level. Although women have long been under-represented in the legal profession, today nearly 50% of the attorneys in the Office are women. She helped put in place flexible work policies that allow employees to balance their many responsibilities while excelling at work. Outside the Office, McManus served as President of the Western Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association from 2012-13 and was only the second woman in the organization's history to hold that role.

Image of First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. McManus.Image of U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. McManus at the WIFLE Awards Ceremony.

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Updated August 7, 2024