Established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, the office represents the United States government in criminal and civil cases across the country.

[1][2] Its resources, culture, and accompanying FBI field office have given the SDNY a reputation for being exceptionally aggressive in its pursuit of criminals.

[3][4] Due to its jurisdiction over the New York City borough of Manhattan, the preeminent financial center of the United States of America, the office's incumbent is often nicknamed the "Sheriff of Wall Street".

[7] April 1829 April 1834 December 10, 1838 March 1841 March 1845 September 1848 December 1848 September 18, 1951 – present The Showtime drama series Billions is loosely based on Preet Bharara's prosecution of SAC Capital and other hedge funds.

[18] The ABC legal drama For the People depicts new defense attorneys and prosecutors working in the Southern District of New York.