## Overview The **Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office**—officially known as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY)—is the federal government’s chief legal representative for criminal and civil matters in the Southern District of New York, which includes Manhattan, the Bronx, and six suburban counties[5][9]. Renowned for its aggressive pursuit of complex cases, the office is often dubbed the “Sovereign District of New York” and its leader the “Sheriff of Wall Street,” reflecting its jurisdiction over Manhattan, the nation’s preeminent financial center[5]. ## What the Organization Does SDNY prosecutes a broad array of federal crimes, including white-collar fraud, cybercrime, public corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and civil rights violations[5]. The office is divided into criminal and civil divisions, employing about 220 assistant U.S. attorneys who handle both high-profile national cases and local enforcement[5]. Its Manhattan office is particularly noted for targeting financial crimes, making it a critical player in maintaining the integrity of U.S. markets. ## History Established by the Judiciary Act of 1789—one of the first laws signed by President George Washington—the office opened its doors in November 1789, even before the U.S. Supreme Court held its first session[1]. Richard Harrison was appointed as the first U.S. Attorney for the district, and by spring 1790, the office had already brought its first criminal and civil cases[1]. Over two centuries, SDNY has built a reputation for independence, incorruptibility, and innovation in federal litigation[1]. ## Key Achievements SDNY has prosecuted some of the most significant cases in U.S. legal history, including major Wall Street frauds, international terrorism trials, and landmark civil rights actions. Its aggressive stance on financial crime has set national precedents and deterred misconduct in the business and