Danielle Sassoon, the former acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has made a notable career transition, joining the prestigious Washington, D.C.–based law firm Clement & Murphy as a partner. This announcement, confirmed on November 10, 2025, signals a major shift for Sassoon, who will lead the firm’s newly established office in New York City. The move also marks the end of her tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she had built a distinguished career, including overseeing some of the country’s most high-profile cases.
Sassoon’s resignation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office followed a highly publicized and contentious decision to defy a directive from the U.S. Department of Justice. The directive asked her to drop corruption charges against New York City’s mayor, a request Sassoon refused to comply with. Her principled stance in refusing to dismiss the charges despite significant political pressure has only strengthened her reputation as a tenacious and independent prosecutor. Her refusal to comply with the Justice Department’s instruction drew attention not just to her personal integrity but also to the broader issue of prosecutorial independence in high-stakes legal matters. By standing her ground, Sassoon reinforced her image as someone committed to justice, even at the cost of her own career in government.
Throughout her career, Sassoon became known for her work on high-profile investigations and cases, often handling matters involving corruption, financial crimes, and other complex legal issues. Her experience in the federal system, particularly in the Southern District of New York, gave her insight into some of the most challenging and high-profile cases in the country. This expertise, coupled with her unflinching adherence to her legal principles, has made her a respected figure in the legal community.
In her new role at Clement & Murphy, Sassoon will focus on government investigations and internal corporate matters, applying her extensive experience with federal prosecutions to private practice. Her ability to navigate complex legal frameworks, particularly in government-related matters, will be a valuable asset to the firm. Her hiring is part of a broader strategy by Clement & Murphy to recruit seasoned professionals with government experience, aiming to expand their advisory services for clients involved in regulatory and compliance matters.
Sassoon herself expressed admiration for the firm’s leadership, specifically citing Paul and Erin, the co-founders of Clement & Murphy, in her decision to join the firm. “I have long admired Paul and Erin as excellent lawyers who stand up for their principles even at personal cost,” she said in a firm profile. This sentiment highlights the alignment between Sassoon’s values and those of the firm, particularly in their shared commitment to ethical and principled legal practice.
The hiring of such a high-profile figure reflects the growing trend of government attorneys transitioning into private practice, particularly in firms that specialize in handling sensitive government-related legal matters. With her experience and proven track record, Sassoon will play a key role in shaping the firm’s New York office, providing expert counsel on complex government-related legal issues, internal investigations, and corporate compliance.
Sassoon’s move to the private sector also underscores a broader shift in the legal profession. High-ranking former government officials like Sassoon are increasingly sought after by law firms for their deep knowledge of federal law, investigatory processes, and litigation. Their insider understanding of government procedures and the challenges faced by corporations in navigating government scrutiny makes them valuable assets in the private sector, where such expertise is in high demand.
For Sassoon, the transition into private practice offers a new platform to continue her legal career, this time from a position where she can apply her government experience to assist corporations, individuals, and other entities facing complex legal challenges. As Clement & Murphy looks to build a stronger presence in New York and expand its government investigations practice, Sassoon’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the firm’s continued success and growth in the competitive legal market.
