U.S. Attorney Office Added Three New Assistant Attorneys
The federal office in Memphis has expanded its legal team with the appointment of three experienced new attorneys.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee has hired three new assistant attorneys to support its operations in Memphis. Each appointee brings extensive background in litigation and law practice to the federal office.
Why it matters
Expanding the staff of the U.S. Attorney office ensures the department remains staffed to handle a diverse caseload within the Western District of Tennessee. These appointments integrate experienced legal practitioners into various specialized divisions.
The federal office recruited three assistant attorneys, including a veteran with 38 years of legal experience and another with 10 years of litigation work. The total capacity of the department following these additions remains under administrative review.
The players
Stephen Ragland
He is a veteran attorney with 38 years of experience who previously served as an Assistant District Attorney General in Shelby County.
Omar Malik
He is an experienced litigator who held the position of Assistant District Attorney General in Shelby County for over a decade.
Cherylann Pasha
She is a legal professional who recently served as a judicial clerk for the U.S. District Court and an associate at Burch, Porter & Johnson.
Sheryl H. Lipman
She is a U.S. District Court Judge who oversaw the work of Cherylann Pasha during her tenure as a judicial clerk.
The details
Stephen Ragland joins the White-Collar Crimes Unit, Omar Malik is assigned to the Firearms and Violent Crime Unit, and Cherylann Pasha will serve in the Appellate Division. The new hires bring a combination of private sector experience and prior government service in Shelby County to the federal prosecution team.
Timeline
Stephen Ragland practiced law for 38 years prior to this appointment.
Omar Malik served as an Assistant District Attorney General in Shelby County from 2010 to 2021.
Cherylann Pasha worked as a Judicial Clerk for Judge Sheryl H. Lipman from 2023 to 2024.
Cherylann Pasha joined the law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson in September 2024.
Legal Context
These appointments reflect the ongoing staffing requirements within the U.S. Department of Justice to maintain robust prosecution capabilities. By hiring experienced local counsel, the office mirrors national trends of integrating seasoned litigators into high-stakes federal units.
Residents of Memphis may see an impact on local federal casework as the new prosecutors begin their roles in white-collar and violent crime units. The presence of additional assistant attorneys is expected to facilitate the efficient processing of federal criminal litigation in the area.
The takeaway
The appointment of three highly experienced attorneys indicates a strategic focus on strengthening federal prosecution capacity in the Western District. These additions underscore the importance of leveraging local expertise to address complex legal matters within the Memphis area.
Further reading
For more information on the regional legal landscape, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Actionnews5.
