Attorney General Merrick Garland Appoints Randy Grossman as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California

Director of Media Relations Kelly Thornton 619-546-9726

SAN DIEGO -- On December 26, 2021, Randy S. Grossman began serving as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California for an interim period of 120 days or until a Presidential appointee is confirmed, whichever occurs first.

Attorney General Merrick Garland issued an order on December 13, 2021, authorizing Grossman’s appointment as U.S. Attorney, effective December 26, 2021. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Sabraw administered the oath of office to Grossman on December 17, 2021, in the presence of the leadership team and Grossman’s family.

Grossman, who previously served as second-in-command, was named Acting U.S. Attorney under the Vacancies Reform Act after the resignation on February 28, 2021, of then-U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer Jr.  Grossman now becomes U.S. Attorney by Attorney General appointment, in the absence of a presidentially-nominated and U.S. Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney, for a term of 120 days or until a U.S. Attorney is confirmed. If a U.S. Attorney is not nominated and confirmed within that period, a U.S. Attorney would be appointed by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

“It is an honor to continue to serve the Southern District of California,” Grossman said.  “I look forward to continuing to work with the outstanding team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the dedicated law enforcement partners who keep our communities safe.”

The Southern District of California encompasses San Diego and Imperial Counties. The U.S. Attorney serves as the chief federal law enforcement official for the district.

Mr. Grossman began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney for Ventura County and then San Diego County. During his more than eight years as a state prosecutor, Mr. Grossman tried more than 70 cases, including homicides and other crimes of violence. Mr. Grossman also worked in private practice as a partner at two international law firms. His practice areas included complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, corporate internal investigations and pro bono representation of refugees seeking asylum.

In March 2020, Mr. Grossman returned to public service as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, where he served in the Border Enforcement Section and the Major Frauds &Public Corruption Section. He was selected to become First Assistant U.S. Attorney in September 2020, and he served as Acting U.S. Attorney from March 1, 2021 until December 26, 2021.