Portrait of Robert Morgenthau
LEGAL · NY · 1975-2009

Robert Morgenthau

District Attorney · Manhattan · Democrat · New York
NOTABLE

On the record

34-year tenure (record); son of FDR Treasury Sec; declined federal AG offers

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.

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