Ex-DA Morgenthau to join Manhattan law firm

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau speaks during a news conference in Manhattan. Morgenthau, 90, came to symbolize the criminal justice system for generations of New Yorkers, not to mention viewers of "Law & Order." (Dec. 16, 2009) Credit: AP
He may be 90 years old, but retired Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau will still have an office where he can hang his hat.
The legendary prosecutor is announcing Wednesday that he is joining the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Morgenthau said in a prepared statement that he will hold a news conference on his move.
Morgenthau, who was first elected for a full four-year term as Manhattan's top prosecutor in 1977, decided to leave the post last year after being re-elected seven times, most recently in 2005. He had previously served as Manhattan's U.S. attorney under Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon.
Morgenthau was succeeded as prosecutor by Cyrus Vance Jr., who easily won election in November.
The job with Wachtell Lipton will be Morgenthau's third time in private practice in his legal career. He had previously practiced law in between his prosecutorial jobs.
"Having left the public sector, I wanted a third tour in the private sector," Morgenthau said in a prepared statement.
"We look forward to working with him and to our firm and our clients having the benefits of his experience and counsel," said Edward Herlihy and Daniel Neff, co-chairmen of the firm.
Going red for women's heart health ... LI's best chicken wings ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
Going red for women's heart health ... LI's best chicken wings ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV