Civil Division

The Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York represents the interests of the United States in a host of civil actions in the United States District Court, the United States Bankruptcy Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  The Division handles a large and diverse docket of affirmative and defensive cases.

The affirmative Civil practices include Affirmative Civil Enforcement, Civil Rights, Drug and Listed Chemical Diversion, and Health Care Fraud. Cases in these practice areas seek monetary and equitable relief on behalf of the government and victims. AUSAs handle these cases in all phases including trial and appeal.    The Office has a Civil Rights Team and a Consumer Protection Team.

In defensive litigation, the Civil Division represents the United States, its agencies, officials, and employees in thousands of cases each year. These matters may implicate the Constitution, federal statutes, regulations, policies or programs. They may also pose risks to the public fisc. Some cases seek declaratory and injunctive relief against the government. Others seek damages, often in the many millions of dollars. Quite a few are of national significance. Most are litigated in district court, though an increasing number involve claims in bankruptcy court. AUSAs handle these cases in all phases including trial and appeal.

The work of the Civil Division also encompasses the Financial Litigation Program,  which is responsible for enforcing civil and criminal judgments by collecting debts on behalf of crime victims and the Government.