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Debra Wong Yang (Activist and Advocate)
Debra Wong Yang (Chinese: 楊黃金玉; pinyin: Yáng Huáng Jīnyù) is a prominent figure in the legal field, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements and leadership. She made history as the first Asian American woman appointed as a United States Attorney, a position she held with distinction. In May 2002 by President George W. Bush, Yang’s appointment marked a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the U.S. legal system.
During her tenure as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Yang oversaw one of the largest U.S. Attorney’s Offices outside of Washington, D.C. Her jurisdiction included Los Angeles County, Orange County, and several other major counties in California, serving approximately 18 million people. Under her leadership, the office tackled various cases, from violent crimes and white-collar offenses to international money laundering and computer crimes.
Yang’s career is characterized by her commitment to justice and public service. Prior to her role as a U.S. Attorney, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney, where she successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile cases. Her legal expertise and dedication to upholding the law earned her recognition and respect within the legal community.
Beyond her contributions as a U.S. Attorney, Yang has held various influential positions, including serving on the Los Angeles Police Commission and as President of the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles. Her extensive experience in both public service and private practice, notably as a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, underscores her multifaceted impact on the legal profession.
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| Debra Wong Yang (Advocate) | |
| 1959 | |
| Name | Debra Wong Yang |
| Date of Birth | 1959 |
| Birth of Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| School |
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| Political Party | Republican |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Parents | Doré Hall Wong, David Wong |
Education
Career Achievements
Judicial Career
Yang’s judicial career began when she was appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1997. She later joined the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2000, where she served as the Supervising Judge for the Hollywood Courthouse. Yang was involved with the Criminal Law Advisory Committee and the Subcommittee on the Quality of Judicial Service for the Court’s Judicial Council.
United States Attorney
In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Yang as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. She led the largest U.S. Attorney’s Office outside Washington, D.C., serving approximately 18 million people across several counties in California. Prior to this role, Yang was an Assistant United States Attorney for seven years, handling a range of cases including violent crimes, white-collar crimes, international money laundering, arson, and computer crimes. She successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including a Glendale arson investigator and a computer hacker who received a record prison sentence for computer intrusion.
Yang resigned from her position as United States Attorney on November 11, 2006, to join Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Her resignation raised questions from Senator Dianne Feinstein due to the timing and subsequent firing of seven other U.S. Attorneys. Yang has denied any pressure to resign.
Los Angeles Police Commission
In August 2009, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa nominated Yang to the Los Angeles Police Commission. Her role included guiding the department beyond the post-Rampart scandal consent decree and assisting in selecting a new police chief.
Private Law Practice
After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s office, Yang joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Los Angeles office as a partner. She co-chairs the firm’s Crisis Management Practice Group and the White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group.
Career Statistics
| United States Attorney for the Central District of California | ||
| May 20, 2002 – November 17, 2006 | ||
| President | George W. Bush | |
| Preceded | Alejandro Mayorkas | |
| Succeeded | Thomas P. O’Brien | |
