Danielle Sassoon: Biography
Danielle Renee Sassoon, an esteemed American attorney, served as the Interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) from January 21, 2025, until her resignation on February 13, 2025. Her tenure, though brief, was marked by a steadfast commitment to legal ethics and the independence of the judiciary.
Danielle Sassoon: Early Life and Education
Born in 1985 or 1986 to Salomon and Evelyn Sassoon in New York, Danielle was immersed in a family that valued education and professional achievement. Her father was a partner at the law firm Morrison Cohen, and her mother worked as a clinical research psychologist. Danielle’s academic journey led her to Harvard University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2008, and subsequently to Yale Law School, earning her Juris Doctor in 2011. Following her formal education, she clerked for Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and later for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Danielle Sassoon: Professional Trajectory
In 2016, Sassoon joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. During her tenure, she prosecuted several high-profile cases, including the conviction of Lawrence Ray for extortion, forced labor and sex trafficking related to the abuse of his daughter’s roommates at Sarah Lawrence College. She also played a pivotal role in the fraud prosecution of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Her exemplary work earned her the FBI Director’s Award for outstanding criminal investigation and the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Top Prosecutor Award in 2023.
Danielle Sassoon: Appointment as Interim U.S. Attorney
On January 21, 2025, following the election of President Donald Trump, Sassoon was appointed as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the SDNY, pending the Senate confirmation of nominee Jay Clayton. Her appointment was intended to maintain continuity in the office’s leadership during the transition.
Danielle Sassoon: The Eric Adams Case and Resignation
A significant challenge arose during Sassoon’s interim tenure involving the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams faced charges of accepting illegal campaign contributions and bribes in the form of free or discounted travel from individuals seeking to purchase his influence. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed Sassoon to dismiss the case, citing the need for Adams’ support in President Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives. Bove argued that continuing the prosecution could impede Adams’ leadership and his ability to back the administration’s policies.
Sassoon, adhering to her principles, found the directive untenable. In a detailed resignation letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, she expressed her inability to “in good faith” dismiss the charges, asserting that the evidence “proves beyond a reasonable doubt that [Adams] committed federal crimes.” She emphasized that the reasons provided for dismissal did not align with the principles of impartiality and fairness that guide prosecutorial decision-making.
Her resignation was part of a broader protest within the Justice Department, with several top officials stepping down in response to the perceived politicization of prosecutorial decisions. This episode underscored the tension between the Justice Department’s leadership and career prosecutors committed to maintaining the integrity of their work.
Danielle Sassoon: Legacy and Impact
Danielle Sassoon’s resignation highlighted her unwavering dedication to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Her actions served as a poignant reminder of the ethical responsibilities that federal prosecutors bear, especially when confronted with political pressures. By choosing to step down rather than compromise her principles, Sassoon reinforced the importance of prosecutorial independence and the need to uphold justice without fear or favor.
In the aftermath of her resignation, discussions about the role of political influence in judicial proceedings have intensified. Sassoon’s stand has been lauded by many as a courageous defense of legal ethics, setting a precedent for future prosecutors facing similar dilemmas.
Danielle Sassoon: Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle Sassoon married Adam Katz, an investment analyst, on November 28, 2015. The couple met during their time at Harvard University.
Danielle Sassoon’s career, though marked by a sudden and principled departure from her role as Interim U.S. Attorney, exemplifies a profound commitment to justice and ethical integrity. Her story serves as an enduring example of the moral courage required to uphold the foundational principles of the American legal system.
