MIAMI, Fla. – Markenzy Lapointe was also raised in Miami, made history when he became the first Haitian-American to serve as the new U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida last week.

The position makes Lapointe the region’s most powerful federal enforcement official.

The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination which marks two milestones in the Black community in 2022.

Lapointe, a former U.S. Marine who fought in the Gulf War, was among three finalists for the position when Biden nominated him in September.

Lapointe will be sworn in January.

Lapointe, a former federal prosecutor who was born in Haiti and grew up in Liberty City, will oversee 250 lawyers in one of the busiest districts in the country, which spans from Fort Pierce to Key West.

Marlene Rodriguez, communications director for the U.S. Attorney Office, told the South Florida Times Lapointe is not available for media interviews until he is sworn in.

However, he told the Miami Herald following his nomination that he expressed his gratitude to President Biden, the Senate and the South Florida community for supporting his appointment as U.S. Attorney.

“The opportunity to serve this community and country in this capacity is the greatest honor, I never dreamed of it,” Lapointe said “I’m equally moved by the support from so many in this community throughout this process.

“I’m looking forward to maintaining the level of excellence that is consistent with the history of that office,” said Lapointe, who will now go through the process of leaving his Miami law firm and soon joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Lapointe replaces interim U.S. Attorney Juan Gonzalez who temporarily took over the office following the resignation of Ariana Fajardo OrShan, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

She was among 55 Trump-era attorneys who were asked to resign after Biden became president.

In addition, the office under OrShan came under scrutiny for mishandling a case involving Jeffrey Epstein in his connection to a teenage sex scandal.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra ruled the office violated their rights of several victims by failing to reveal they had dropped plans to prosecute the billionaire on dozens of federal charges linked to the girls’ claims that he paid them for sex at his Palm Beach residence.

Some of the girls were as young as 14 years-old.

Lapointe is now at the helm of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Markenzy Lapointe, is supremely qualified, he is also a local boy who made it out of Liberty City to the height of success in downtown towers across the country, making a literal transition from the streets to the suites, ” said Miami political consultant Christopher Norwood. “This is an historic moment."

A former Department of Justice prosecutor, Lapointe’s practice includes highstakes commercial, products liability and professional malpractice disputes, as well as criminal investigations.

Lapointe, who earned his law degree from Florida State University, has a wealth of trial, arbitration and mediation experience in state and federal courts, and works closely with clients to achieve the best and most cost-effective solution, according to his resume.

His private practice included defending corporations and individuals in commercial disputes, such as class actions, business divorces, and high exposure products liability.

He also defended professional malpractice actions and because of his substantial jury trial experience, he was routinely asked to present and test case themes and strategies before mock juries to help assess viability at trial.

Furthermore, Lapointe has defended corporations and individuals in criminal and quasi-criminal investigations, and performed pro bono work including firstchairing one of the longest pro bono Federal Torts Claims Act trials in South Florida.

U.S. Congresswoman Fredrica Wilson, who has been campaigning for Lapointe on his behalf in Washington, said he achieved the American Dream with his appointment as U.S. attorney.

"After more than two years of relentless advocacy and pushing for the confirmation of Markenzy Lapointe as US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, I am overjoyed the Senate has confirmed his nomination," Wilson said. "As a former U.S. Marine, ex-federal prosecutor and product of Miami-Dade, Markenzy Lapointe shares a unique perspective on the issues plaguing our communities and brings a clear vision along with a wealth of experience to lead this critical office.

"I am confident in his ability to uphold the rule of law and dedication to fighting for a more equitable criminal justice system. I know his extensive experience, unquestionable conviction, and homegrown commitment to our diverse community will guide his success as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida."

Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor said Markenzy, who he calls his friend, exemplifies the spirit of the law and is a master litigator.

“Markenzy Lapointe has served the South Florida community and this nation with distinction and honor," Pryor said in a statement. "I am proud to call him my friend. This is a historic appointment and a moment that will inspire many of our young people."

Pryor added: As a skilled prosecutor, as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as an immigrant and as a Black man, he reflects so many aspects of our community. He has earned his strong reputation through his commitment to public service and his dedication to ensuring public safety and equal justice.

"All of us at the Broward State Attorney’s Office look forward to working with him and his staff in this important role.”

Nadine Gedeon, president of the Haitian Lawyers Association, said Lapointe, a Hiatian immigrant, rose from poverty to become a partner at a Miami Law firm and now U.S. is the ultimate achievement.

"The Haitian Lawyers Association could not think of a person more deserving, prepared, and capable of continuing to serve this nation as the next United States attorney for the Southern District of Florida," Gedeon said.

Gedeon said Lapointe’s legal experience speaks volumes.

"As a former assistant United States attorney and current partner at one of Miami’s prestigious law firms, Mr. Lapointe did a lot of his service through extensive pro bono legal work, mentorship, and active community involvement," she said. "A naturalized citizen himself, Mr. Lapointe passionately assists in legal clinics aimed at providing information and helping eligible persons complete applications for United States Citizenship and Temporary Protected Status.

"With a heart to help the youth in inner-cities, Mr. Lapointe was active in the Legal Up! Program and remains a constant voice and necessary presence in our community. His meaningful work has been recognized by the Daily Business Review, various bar organizations, including the Dade County Bar Association and our organization."

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Lapointe’s appointment as the new U.S. Attorney is a proud moment for the Haitian community.

"This is a well deserved confirmation," she said. "Congratulations to Mark Lapointe."