Damian Williams

With a focus on cases that carry significant legal, reputational, and strategic risk, Damian Williams leverages his deep public service and prosecutorial experience to advise corporations, institutions, and individuals facing high-stakes litigation, government investigations, and enforcement actions. As Co-Chair of Jenner & Block’s Litigation Department and Co-Chair of its Investigations, Compliance, and Defense (ICD) Practice, he plays a central role in guiding clients through complex legal and reputational challenges, particularly in matters involving crisis management, white-collar defense, and regulatory scrutiny.

From 2021 to 2024, Damian served as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), widely recognized as one of the most consequential prosecutorial offices in the country, where he supervised major prosecutions involving public corruption, financial crime, crypto enforcement, civil rights, and national security. Among the many high-profile matters and investigations Damian oversaw, his office brought landmark cases against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, US Senator Bob Menendez, and Archegos Capital founder Bill Hwang. His team also prosecuted several high-profile securities fraud and insider trading cases. Damian was the first Black US Attorney in SDNY history and led initiatives that redefined enforcement priorities and prosecutorial effectiveness. He also chaired the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, shaping national Department of Justice policy.

Prior to his confirmation as US Attorney, Damian served as an Assistant United States Attorney in SDNY starting in 2012. He led numerous high-profile white collar prosecutions involving corruption in financial markets and public institutions. From 2018 to 2021, Damian served as Chief of the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, where he oversaw complex cases involving insider trading, market manipulation, and corporate misconduct.

In 2024, Time Magazine named Damian one of the world’s most influential rising leaders, a testament to his integrity, innovation, and national impact. Damian earned a degree in Economics from Harvard University, a M.Phil. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, and a J.D. from Yale Law School. He served as a law clerk to Judge Merrick B. Garland of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and then to Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court.