Susan Hoffinger has built a reputation as a formidable legal mind, balancing experience in both defense and prosecution. As the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Investigation Division at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, she is now leading one of the most high-profile cases in recent history—the prosecution of former President Donald Trump over alleged falsification of business records.
Her career spans decades of high-stakes litigation, making her uniquely qualified to navigate complex legal battles. But who is Susan Hoffinger, and how did she rise to this influential position?
Early Life and Legal Beginnings
Born in 1963 into a family deeply connected to the legal profession, Hoffinger was immersed in law from an early age. Her father, Jack Hoffinger, was a well-known criminal attorney in New York, serving as an Assistant District Attorney and later as president of the New York Criminal Bar Association. Her siblings also pursued legal careers, further solidifying law as a family legacy.
Hoffinger attended Amherst College, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1985. She then earned her Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 1989, setting the stage for her extensive legal career.
Early Career at the Manhattan DA’s Office
Hoffinger began her legal career at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in 1992 under the legendary DA Robert Morgenthau. During her tenure, which lasted until 2000, she worked in several key units, including the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Trial Bureau, and the Frauds Bureau. Her work focused on prosecuting financial crimes, fraud, and complex litigation cases—experience that would later prove invaluable.
Transition to Private Practice
In 2000, Hoffinger transitioned to private practice, co-founding The Hoffinger Firm, PLLC. As a defense attorney, she represented high-profile clients in cases involving tax fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, bribery, healthcare fraud, and white-collar crimes. Her ability to dissect complex financial cases and her deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom earned her a stellar reputation.
During this time, Hoffinger also became an influential member of the legal community, chairing the Criminal Advocacy Committee at the Association of the Bar of the City of New York from 2012 to 2015 and contributing to the American Bar Association’s Business Law White Collar Committee.
Return to the Manhattan DA’s Office
In early 2022, Hoffinger returned to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, this time as the Chief of the Investigation Division. Her comeback coincided with a crucial moment in the office’s investigation into Donald Trump’s financial dealings, particularly alleged falsification of business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Her return followed the abrupt resignation of two prosecutors who had been leading the Trump case. With the case in jeopardy, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg turned to Hoffinger to take the reins, confident in her ability to deliver results. Under her leadership, the office successfully prosecuted the Trump Organization on tax fraud charges in December 2022, a significant win that reinforced Bragg’s decision to entrust her with the ongoing investigation into Trump himself.
Leading the Trump Investigation
As the head of the team prosecuting Trump, Hoffinger oversees a group of experienced litigators working on what is arguably the most politically sensitive prosecution in modern U.S. history. The case revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up hush money payments made before the 2016 election.
Legal experts and political analysts alike are watching the case closely, as it has the potential to set legal precedents. Hoffinger’s approach—methodical, strategic, and meticulous—has drawn praise from colleagues. Her background in both prosecution and defense gives her a unique ability to anticipate arguments from Trump’s legal team and craft airtight responses.
Challenges and Public Scrutiny
Handling a case against a former U.S. president is no small feat. Hoffinger’s every move is under intense scrutiny, both from legal analysts and the general public. Trump and his allies have repeatedly attacked the case as politically motivated, a challenge that Hoffinger must navigate while maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
Despite the political pressures, Hoffinger remains focused on the evidence and the law. Those who have worked with her describe her as tenacious, fair-minded, and committed to justice. She is not swayed by media narratives or partisan rhetoric but instead relies on her decades of legal expertise to guide her decisions.
Personal Life and Influence
Though intensely private about her personal life, Hoffinger is known to be married and dedicated to her family. Outside of courtrooms, she has mentored young attorneys and contributed to discussions on criminal justice reform. Her influence extends beyond the cases she handles, as she continues to shape the next generation of legal minds.
A Lasting Legacy
Susan Hoffinger’s career is a testament to dedication, expertise, and the pursuit of justice. Whether in private practice or as a leading prosecutor, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the law. As the Trump case progresses, her role will be pivotal, not just in the outcome of the case but in how legal accountability is applied to powerful figures in American politics.
Regardless of the trial’s outcome, Hoffinger’s place in legal history is already secured. She has emerged as one of the most influential prosecutors of her time, proving that justice must be pursued without fear or favor.
