Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, top New York City prosecutor, joins the Manhattan Institute

NEW YORK, NY – The Manhattan Institute is pleased to announce that Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, one of the most accomplished prosecutors in New York, is joining the organization as a fellow.

A 33-year veteran of the Manhattan district attorney’s office, where she served most recently as chief of the trial division, Illuzzi-Orbon has tried some of the most complex and high-profile cases in New York, including the murder of "realtor to the stars" Linda Stein, the double murder at Scores nightclub, the kidnapping and murder of six-year-old Etan Patz thirty years after his disappearance from lower Manhattan, and most recently the prosecution of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Her tireless dedication to pursuing justice has earned her a reputation as “one of the best homicide prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorney’s office,” according to the New York Times.

A fellow with the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, Illuzzi-Orbon is also known for her commitment to mentorship and public service. Eager to share her skills, she has advised students and lawyers, supervising 400 lawyers in her last role at the district attorney’s office, and providing advice and opportunities to other young professionals. She has lectured lawyers regularly on topics such as the role of the prosecutor, and the preparation, writing, and delivery of summations. She has also guest lectured before numerous New York state judges, at Columbia Law School, and at Fordham Law School, and is an adjunct in St. John’s University graduate program on homeland security and criminal justice.

At the Manhattan Institute, Illuzzi-Orbon will contribute her expertise to the organization’s widely-cited policing and public safety initiative, directed by Hannah E. Meyers. Specifically, Illuzzi-Orbon will focus on the role that effective prosecution plays in urban crime control. Through media appearances, events, and written commentary, she will analyze the performance of prosecutors’ offices in New York and cities around the country, with a particular focus on the records of self-styled "progressive prosecutors."

“New York City’s future hinges on our ability to improve public safety, especially for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Reihan Salam, president of the Manhattan Institute. “Joan Illuzzi-Orbon has dedicated her professional life to this cause, and we’re honored to be engaging her talents at this crucial moment. She will play an invaluable role on our team as we seek to develop constructive solutions to the challenge of urban violence.”

“Joan Illuzzi-Orbon is a force: a relentless prosecutor, she delivered justice for crime victims in the most challenging and sensitive cases,” said Meyers. “She is uniquely capable of communicating the importance of robust prosecution both to keep the public safe and to offer opportunities for rehabilitation and treatment for defendants in need. Joan will be a tremendous asset to our team, pushing back on the weakening prosecution policies that are hurting communities in New York and beyond.”

Click here to read more about Illuzzi-Orbon.