Biography
Lena D. Tapscott
United States District Court, District of South Carolina
4th Circuit Representative for FJAA
Lena received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Minors in Human Services Counseling and Political Science from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) in May of 1993. She later completed the ABA approved Intensive Paralegal Training Program at Meredith College (Raleigh, NC) where she received a Paralegal Certificate for the same. Her legal career began as a paralegal for several years in areas of law including family law ( in Raleigh, NC), general practice ( in Greenville, NC), and insurance defense (at Wallace, Morris, & Barwick in Kinston, NC). After relocating to South Carolina, she served as a paralegal for Pro Bono Legal Services (Charleston, SC).
Lena is currently the judicial assistant to the Hon. Richard M. Gergel, District Judge in Charleston Division, South Carolina. Lena began working with Judge Gergel when he came on the bench in August of 2010. Lena first came to work in the district courts in July 2007 as a case manager (intake) then as a criminal case manager (prisoner docket) to the Hon. Robert S. Carr (retired). Lena serves as the 4th Circuit Representative for the Federal Judicial Assistants Association (FJAA) and in July of this year (2026) Lena will celebrate 19 years of working with the federal courts!!!
Lena is married to Retired SMSgt Christopher S. Tapscott whom in 2018 retired from 26 years of honorable service in the US Air Force. Lena and Chris will celebrate their 33rd anniversary in May of 2026. They have one son, two daughters, two sons-in-law, four granddaughters, and one grandson. Lena enjoys zumba, traveling, gardening, hiking, spending time outdoors, spoiling the grands, and supporting her 17-year-old granddaughter, Kyleigh, who plays competitive fast-pitch travel softball, runs track, throws the javelin, and plays volleyball--Lena never misses a game, tournament, or track meet.
Lena also serves as the 4th Circuit CSAG Representative and looks forward to continuing to serve as the 4th Circuit FJAA Representative and collaborating with each of its members.