Zane Memeger knew from an early age that he was destined for public service. But it wasn’t an “aha” moment. It’s been a progression in life that he says started when he was in elementary school.

He is currently the chief U.S. law enforcement officer for a district that includes Philadelphia County and reaches as far west as Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Zane manages a staff of 130 prosecutors who handle criminal and civil cases. Since the 9/11 attacks, national security has been a major priority for the U.S. Department of Justice. In the Eastern District, combating public corruption, health care fraud and violent crime are also major priorities.

“There is a lot on my plate, but, at the end of the day, we do what’s right so that justice is obtained in a manner where everyone is treated equally and fairly,” he said.

Zane learned that important lesson as the son of a chemist, growing up in Delaware in a community where he stood out as an African-American. He recalls being pushed off his bike and someone drawing racist images on his family’s driveway. “I was very fortunate to see my neighbors supportive of me and my family, and intolerant of that petty racism. The experience helped me learn how to walk the line between different cultures and get along with people.”

His interest in public service blossomed while at the University of Virginia School of Law. As part of a student-run post-conviction assistance project, Zane argued a civil rights appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell sat by designation. “That experience taught me that a lot of people are facing significant hurdles in life and should be treated justly through a fair process.”

As a second-year law student, Zane met Eric Kraeutler, Litigation partner, Joe Costello, Labor and Employment Practice group leader, and Steve Wall, firm managing partner, who convinced him to become a summer associate at Morgan Lewis. He joined the firm’s Litigation Practice upon graduation.

As a young associate, Zane worked on a cross section of litigation matters. In 1995, he left the firm to become an Assistant U.S. Attorney where he prosecuted cases involving organized crime, public corruption, and fraud. After 11 years in that role, he returned to Morgan Lewis as a partner in 2006. “I had a great experience doing white collar investigative work, including serving clients in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.”

Then came an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.

In 2010, the search began for candidates to fill the U.S. Attorney’s position in Philadelphia. “My initial response was that I was too young and enjoying what I was doing. Maybe I will down the road. But my friends at Morgan Lewis convinced me I could do the job, and it was the chance of a lifetime. They said the worst thing that could happen was that I wouldn’t get the job,” he recalled.

So he decided to go for it. Following an arduous interview process, Senator Bob Casey and then-Senator Arlen Spector submitted his name to the White House for consideration. President Barack Obama appointed him to the position in May 2010 after confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Zane’s time as a U.S. Attorney has taught him how important it is for adults to be involved with kids to set them on the right path. He said that he’s sure to make time for his family—including the sports and other activities in which his 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son participate.

When we asked if it was a challenge to leave the stresses of such a demanding job at work, Zane said: “It’s hard to let go of work because what’s going on impacts lives on a daily basis.” He decompresses by going for long runs and making time to work out.

Zane has won a number of commendations over his career for his outstanding work. He is especially proud of his latest accolade: The Legal Intelligencer honored him with its Attorney of the Year Award for 2014.

In his acceptance speech, recorded on video, Zane reaffirmed his commitment to the philosophy that everyone is entitled to justice and equality under the law.

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