U.S. Attorney Announces Amanda Houle As Chief Of SDNY Criminal Division

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, today announced Amanda Houle as Chief of the Office’s Criminal Division.

Ms. Houle returns to the Office from the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where she was a partner.  From 2015 to 2023, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and served, from 2020 to 2021, as Chief of the Narcotics Unit, and from 2021 to 2023, as Chief of the National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Amanda has also served in public service as a law clerk to the Honorable Denny Chin in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and to the Honorable Cathy Seibel in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Amanda received her B.A. from Barnard College and her J.D. from Fordham University.  

In announcing this selection, Jay Clayton said: “I’m thrilled to announce Amanda as Chief of the Criminal Division, and the Office is thrilled to have her return.  During her prior tenure at SDNY, Amanda distinguished herself as an exceptional trial lawyer, a standout case maker, and a devoted colleague and public servant.  She led some of the Office’s most significant cases against terrorists, cartel leaders and their money launderers, sex traffickers, violent gang members, and those seeking to evade economic sanctions critical to protecting our national security.  Throughout her time in Government service and private practice, Amanda has been known to all as a dynamic and strategic advocate, a consummate professional, and a steady hand.  Amanda’s talents are matched by her love of the Office and deep commitment to the mission of protecting the public with our law enforcement partners.  She will make an outstanding leader of the Criminal Division, and we are grateful to have her return to serve.”