Olivia Benson’s got nothing on Fara Gold

During a busy Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Fara Gold 00C spent an afternoon talking with current undergraduate students in the Emory Scholars Program, eager to answer questions and share advice.

The former Emory College Scholar, who recently became an Attorney Advisor at the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, has had a decorated 14-year career in the DOJ's Civil Rights Division prosecuting hate crimes, law enforcement misconduct cases, and sexual assault by government actors all throughout the United States.

She credits her time at Emory, particularly her volunteer work with the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center, for motivating a career prosecuting sexual misconduct cases.

"Speaking with Fara Gold was a transformative experience," reflected Grace Kessler 24C, "Several students noted that she changed their perspective on prosecutors, highlighting the importance of accountability."

As Ansley Langham 25C explained, "Fara Gold is refreshingly candid about the realities of working in the executive branch and the philosophical dilemmas that come with prosecutorial work.”

In addition to Fara's expertise litigating contentious cases, she is an adjunct professor of law, has published several articles, conducts policy work, and trains investigators and attorneys throughout the country on civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct where marginalized victims often struggle to see accountability.

"Dr. Gold's insight into our criminal justice system combined with her larger critical understanding of our modern socio-political condition was a clear example of what ethical law and social justice advocacy can look like," said Koan Roy-Meighoo 25C.

In recognition of this critical work, she was awarded Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service (DOJ's highest honor) in 2014 and the Attorney General's Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee in 2012. She also received the FBI Director’s Award for Distinguished Service in Assisting Victims of Crime in 2021, the Assistant Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in 2020 and the Assistant Attorney General's Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Service in 2014 and 2011.

Grace Kessler 24C summed the session up perfectly: "She knows the law like the back of her hand and is clearly paving a new path in the field."