Biography
Daphne Elaine Rankin, J.D., President-Elect, serves as Career Law Clerk and Chambers Manager to the Honorable Samuel H. Mays, Jr., Senior United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee. She brings more than thirty-five years of experience in the legal profession, having worked in the State and Federal governments, as well as in the private legal industry.
A proud graduate with honors from Purdue Global Law School, Ms. Rankin has built a career grounded in analytical rigor, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of the federal judiciary. Her professional background includes substantial work in drafting and reviewing judicial orders, case management, court procedure, coordinating chambers workflow, litigation, and supporting long-term institutional continuity for the court.
Ms. Rankin is also an experienced legal consultant and presenter, providing national training in nonprofit formation, governance, and small-business compliance. Her leadership extends to community service through her work with The Agape Group, Inc., and as a board member of the Saving Our Youth Organization.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is committed to mentorship, professional development, and advancing the mission and visibility of the Federal Judicial Assistants Association.