State Bar Association honors former Brooklyn federal prosecutor Richard Donoghue

January 19, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Richard Donoghue. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney's Office, EDNY

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The New York State Bar Association was so impressed by Richard Donoghue, the former acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General who defied orders to push false election-fraud claims, that it will honor him during the NYSBA’s Annual Meeting later this month.

Donoghue, who is the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, was serving as the acting U.S. deputy attorney general when he helped refute fraudulent claims by twice-impeached President Donald Trump of a “stolen” election in 2020.

Donoghue later testified before the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attempt to overthrow the government by domestic terrorists. During that testimony, Donoghue explained that he had threatened to resign if Trump fired acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen due to his refusal to overturn election results.

“When it mattered most, Richard Donoghue stood up for the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law,” said Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the NYSBA. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his courageous act at a time of intense consequence in our nation’s history.”

David Louis Cohen, chair of the NYSBA’s Criminal Justice Section, also praised the decision to honor Donoghue.

“In recognition of his personal and professional character in the face of unprecedented challenges to democracy, the Criminal Justice Section is pleased to honor Richard Donoghue’s example of bravery in defense of justice,” Cohen said.

The Annual Meeting will take place on Jan. 18 through Jan. 24 in Manhattan. Along with Donoghue, the Suffolk County sheriff and two New York City defense attorneys will also receive awards.

Donoghue, a registered Republican who was appointed by former President Trump, served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District from January 2018 through July 10, 2020. He was preceded by Bridget Rohde and succeeded by Seth DuCharme. Currently, Breon Peace, nominated by President Joe Biden, is serving as the U.S. Attorney for the EDNY.