Though Jackie Lacey represents a new look in the district attorney's role, she hasn't vowed to depart significantly from the policies of Steve Cooley (in the background). (Paresh Dave/Neon Tommy)

After being sworn in as the first district attorney in Los Angeles to not be a white male, Jackie Lacey took to the podium at USC's Galen Center and recalled how "cool" her ascent has been.

Growing up in Crenshaw, she said her father drove her past USC every morning on their way to the Harbor Freeway. She went to Dorsey High, studied psychology at UC Irvine and later USC Gould School of Law. As of Monday at noon, "the girl from the working-class neighborhood" is in charge of the nation's largest prosecutorial office, with some 1,000 attorneys. Lacey said the office is in good shape, financially and otherwise.

Lacey campaigned on a platform that emphasized her dedication to maintain public safety, ensure victims' rights and expand the use of alternative sentencing courts when the offense is not serious.

Lacey also supported Proposition 36, saying that it "basically adopts the current policy of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office." Prop. 36, which passed in California, revises the "three strikes law" so that life sentences are imposed only if the felony is considered "serious or violent."

"The district attorney can make an impact," said Art Auerbach, a professor of political science at USC. "For instance, the application of the 'three strikes' law has been fairly controversial. There is a great deal of discretion given to the DA when as to when (sic) the three strikes can be charged. Some DAs are more aggressive in charging certain types of crimes. They decide how vigorously to enforce the three strikes and enforce capital offense punishments."

Lacey's predecessor, Steve Cooley told The Los Angeles Times that, "(Lacey) hit home runs every place she's been and is probably the most qualified person to be district attorney in recent history."

She boasts 16 years of prosecuting experience and 12 years of management experience. She has tried about 60 felony cases to jury verdicts, including 11 homicides and the county's first trial of a race-motivated hate crime. 

After beating out her challenger, veteran prosecutor Alan Jackson, Lacey's election was seen as an endorsement of the performance of the current district attorney's office, despite their affiliation with different political parties. As chief deputy district attorney, Lacey was second in command in the office and was involved in nearly every major decision involving the prosecution of violent criminals. She has also indicated that she will continue Cooley's initiatives during her term as district attorney.

Her election is also a boost to minorities in the legal field.

"Her election sends a powerful message that with a lot of hard work anyone can be successfull regardless of their race, gender or class," said Lee Smalley Edmon, L.A. County Superior Court's presiding judge.

Lacey said she'll continue to focus on prosecuting corrupt political officials and expanding on innovations in prosecuting crimes involving the Internet.

"The office is in great shape," Lacey said.

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Olivas here.

Executive Director Paresh Dave contributed reporting to this story.