Harry Chernoff of New York City died on February 23, 2026, passing away peacefully at home after a long illness. He was a respected federal prosecutor, accomplished attorney, and devoted public servant whose career reflected a deep commitment to justice and integrity.
A Life of Public Service
Chernoff served for more than two decades as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York with the United States Department of Justice. Appointed in 2002, he dedicated 24 years to the office, including service as Senior Litigation Counsel in the Securities & Commodities Fraud Task Force. In that role, he worked on complex financial crime prosecutions, earning the respect of colleagues for his analytical rigor and steady professionalism.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chernoff was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP from 1997 to 2002, building a foundation in high-level litigation and corporate law.
Earlier in his career, he clerked for the Honorable Amalya Kearse on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, an experience that further shaped his approach to the law and deepened his commitment to principled advocacy.
His dedication to public service began even earlier. From 1990 to 1992, he served as a legislative assistant to then-Representative Charles E. Schumer in Washington, D.C. He also participated in the Urban Fellows program with the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York, reflecting an early and sustained interest in civic engagement.
Education and Academic Achievement
Chernoff’s academic path was distinguished. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College before receiving his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (1993–1996). He also studied internationally as a Rotary Scholar at the University of Delhi during the 1992–1993 academic year.
Those who knew him described him as intellectually curious, thoughtful, and deeply principled — qualities that defined both his academic pursuits and his professional life.
Remembered as a Friend and Colleague
Friends and colleagues have expressed profound sorrow at his passing. In a tribute, Sam Ahmad wrote, “My dear friend Harry Chernoff passed away today, peacefully at home after a long illness. He will be deeply missed.”
Throughout his career, Chernoff was known not only for his legal acumen but also for his kindness, mentorship, and unwavering sense of duty. His work in the courtroom and his service to the public reflected a belief in fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.
He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to justice, his distinguished legal career, and the many lives he touched in both professional and personal spheres.
Funeral arrangements are being shared privately with family and friends.