Robert Morgenthau

On the record

35-year tenure; longest-serving Manhattan DA; basis for Adam Schiff Law & Order character

Background

Robert Morris Morgenthau (1919–2019) served as Manhattan District Attorney from 1975 to 2009 — the longest tenure of any DA in U.S. history at 35 years. Previously SDNY USAtty 1961-1970. Son of FDR Treasury Sec Henry Morgenthau Jr. Prosecutorial career touched everything from BCCI bank fraud to Mafia commission cases to Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski. Refused to seek federal-judge nomination, citing love of the DA role. Inspiration for the Adam Schiff character on Law & Order. Died July 21, 2019 at age 99.

Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.

From the article

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Primary sources

• NYT obituary 2019-07-21
• Manhattan DA Office historical records

Others who held this office in New York

• Alvin Bragg (2022-present)
• Cy Vance Jr. (2010-2021)

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