In the bustling heart of New York City, where justice meets ambition, Matthew David Podolsky stands as a towering figure in the legal world. As the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Podolsky has carved out a reputation as a relentless prosecutor, a sharp legal mind, and a steadfast guardian of federal law. His journey from a curious student to the chief federal law enforcement officer of one of the nation’s most prestigious districts is a story of grit, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Born into a family that valued education and service, Matthew Podolsky grew up with a front-row seat to the power of knowledge. His parents, Dr. Carol P. Podolsky and Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, both accomplished physicians in Dallas, Texas, instilled in him a deep respect for hard work and precision—traits that would later define his legal career. Though details of his early years remain private, it’s clear that Podolsky’s upbringing in a household of professionals set the stage for his own pursuit of excellence.
Podolsky’s academic path took him to Columbia University, a crucible of intellectual rigor in New York City. There, he not only earned his undergraduate degree but also his Juris Doctor, graduating with a legal education that would become the bedrock of his career. It was at Columbia where he met Mollie Melissa Kornreich, his future wife, whose own legal career would parallel his in fascinating ways. The couple married in 2013 at the Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn, a union officiated by Rabbi David C. Kraemer, blending personal commitment with their shared passion for the law.
After law school, Podolsky didn’t waste time climbing the ranks. His early career saw him honing his skills as a litigation associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell, a top-tier Manhattan law firm known for its high-stakes cases. But the allure of public service soon called him away from private practice. In 2015, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), stepping into a role that would thrust him into the thick of federal prosecutions.
The SDNY, often dubbed the “Sovereign District” for its fierce independence and storied history, was the perfect proving ground for Podolsky. Established in 1789, the office covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and six surrounding counties, tackling everything from white-collar crime to organized violence. As an AUSA, Podolsky quickly distinguished himself, diving into complex securities fraud and public corruption cases with a tenacity that caught the eye of his peers and superiors alike.
One of his standout achievements came as Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, a role he assumed before ascending to Acting U.S. Attorney. Under his leadership, the task force took down some of the biggest names in financial misconduct. He spearheaded the prosecution of Bill Hwang, the founder of Archegos Capital, whose fraudulent schemes rocked Wall Street, and Trevor Milton, the former head of Nikola Motor Company, who misled investors with grandiose promises. These high-profile victories showcased Podolsky’s ability to unravel intricate financial webs and hold powerful figures accountable.
In February 2025, Podolsky’s career reached a pivotal moment when he stepped into the role of Acting U.S. Attorney for the SDNY. The appointment came amid a dramatic shakeup, following the resignation of Danielle R. Sassoon and other senior prosecutors over a controversial directive to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Thrust into the spotlight, Podolsky inherited a district known for its aggressive pursuit of justice and a staff of roughly 450 lawyers, agents, and support personnel—all looking to him for leadership.
As Acting U.S. Attorney, Podolsky has wasted no time making his mark. He oversees a sprawling portfolio of cases, from dismantling transnational drug networks to cracking down on financial fraudsters. In March 2025, he announced the convictions of Charlie Javice and Olivier Amar, who orchestrated a $175 million fraud by inflating their company’s customer base—a case that underscored his commitment to rooting out deception in the business world. That same month, he secured a guilty plea from OKX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, which agreed to pay over $504 million for violating anti-money laundering laws, proving his reach extends into the digital frontier.
Podolsky’s leadership style is a blend of precision and pragmatism. Colleagues describe him as a prosecutor who leads by example—meticulous in preparation, unflinching in the courtroom, and deeply invested in his team. His office has tackled everything from gang violence to immigration fraud, with Podolsky often praising the “outstanding work” of law enforcement partners like the FBI, SEC, and Homeland Security Investigations. His statements reflect a man who values collaboration as much as conviction, a trait that has kept the SDNY’s engine humming under his watch.
Beyond the courtroom, Podolsky’s personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the title. Married to Mollie Kornreich, a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, he balances a demanding career with a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Mollie’s own legal pedigree—her mother a New York State Supreme Court justice, her father a partner at Proskauer Rose—mirrors Podolsky’s, creating a dynamic duo in New York’s legal elite.
At 42 years old as of April 2025, Matthew Podolsky is still in the prime of his career, with a trajectory that suggests even greater things to come. Whether he’s taking on Wall Street titans, dismantling criminal enterprises, or navigating the political turbulence of his office, he remains a steady hand at the helm of the SDNY. His story is one of a Dallas-born scholar turned New York legal titan—a journey fueled by intellect, integrity, and an unrelenting drive to uphold the law.
In a city that never sleeps, Matthew Podolsky is the sleepless enforcer of justice, a prosecutor whose legacy is still being written—one case, one conviction, one hard-fought victory at a time.