June 26, 2025
Jessica D. Aber to Receive the 2026 Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award
The Virginia Bar Criminal Law Section Board of Governors announced that Jessica D. Aber, former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award. This award recognizes her commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
"The intent of the Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award is to recognize an individual who conducts herself with unquestionable integrity," says Judge Mark R. Colombell, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. "Ms. Aber brought a sense of balance and civility to her role as the United States Attorney. Her leadership, empathy, and zealous advocacy will be missed by the court, the bar, and our community."
Established in 1991, the Professionalism Award honors individuals who have made singular and lasting contributions to the improvement of the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Virginia and have demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the rule of law.
Jessica Aber's legal career was defined by public service, leadership, and a commitment to fairness. After earning her J.D. from William & Mary Law School and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond, Aber clerked for Judge M. Hannah Lauck in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia as an assistant U.S. Attorney in 2009. She rose through the ranks, serving as deputy chief of the Criminal Division and later being nominated and unanimously confirmed in 2021 as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
"Jessica was truly dedicated to serving the criminal bar, always generously sharing her time and expertise with genuine kindness," says Judge Vernida R. Chaney for the Court of Appeals of Virginia. "Her lasting impact stands as a testament to her heartfelt commitment and the compassion she brought to her work and to everyone who knew her."
As the U.S. Attorney, Aber handled high-profile matters ranging from national security and cybercrime to public corruption. She was known for her commitment to outreach, traveling over 50,000 miles across the district to engage with communities and rebuild public trust in the justice system. Aber also championed community-focused criminal justice initiatives, such as the SCORE program, which supports reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals.
"Jess was so deeply committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law," says Chris Kavanaugh, Partner at Cleary Gottlieb and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. "Whether it was a community group, a federal-state task force, or a middle school class, Jess connected with everyone and inspired so many to public service with kindness and enthusiasm."
Geremy Kamens, Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia, said that as the United States Attorney, Aber was "professional and practical," adding she "would personally talk through challenges with his office and develop solutions."
"Jess was always available to discuss cases we had with her, and she both expected and respected our advocacy," Kamens said. "Jess's relationship with our office was built on mutual respect and camaraderie, and she was never anything but gracious and kind."
Aber's impact extended beyond her official duties. She served on professional boards, mentored attorneys, and worked to demystify federal practice for state practitioners. Her sense of justice, humility, and leadership earned admiration across the legal community.
"Jess was the epitome of fairness and professionalism," says Nia Ayanna Vidal, of the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Virginia and Secretary for the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section Board of Governors. "She had a just and even-handed approach in the fulfilling that duty."
Erik Siebert, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said throughout Aber's career, she never failed to impart credit to those around her so she could build faith in law enforcement and the judicial system.
"Ever the pragmatist, she worked with leaders to advance the cause of justice," Siebert said. "Without question, each of us who had the privilege of working with her is a better attorney, a better prosecutor, and a better person for having known her."
The Carrico Professional Award will be presented at the 56th Annual Criminal Law Seminar on January 30, 2026, in Richmond. Jessica Aber was nominated for this prestigious award, supported by reflections shared by her colleagues.
"Jessica Aber was an amazing colleague," said George Neskis, Past Chair for the Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section Board of Governors and Partner at the Decker Law Firm. "[Her] intelligence, kindness, and humility served her profession and her community to the fullest."