Joseph Nocella, Jr. has assumed the role of Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. His appointment comes under the authority of United States Attorney Pamela Bondi. Judge Nocella was sworn in on May 5, 2025, by United States Chief District Judge Margo K. Brodie. He will serve for a period of 120 days or until a Presidential nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
Judge Nocella expressed his gratitude, stating: “I am deeply honored that President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi have appointed me United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. It is especially gratifying to return to the very District where I began my prosecutorial career." He also acknowledged the efforts of Acting United States Attorney John J. Durham.
Before this appointment, Judge Nocella served as a Nassau County Family Court Judge and previously as a Nassau County District Judge. His career in public service began as a law clerk to Honorable Lawrence M. McKenna and continued as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Eastern District of New York from 1991 to 1995.
Judge Nocella's background includes private practice in New York and Los Angeles between 1989-1990 and 1995-2010, along with various public service roles on Long Island such as Hempstead Town Attorney and Oyster Bay Town Attorney.
He graduated from Chaminade High School in 1982, earned his bachelor's degree from Fordham University in 1986, and completed his law degree at Columbia University School of Law in 1989.
