Lucas Issacharoff is an American attorney currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). He has been in this role since September 2019.
Issacharoff holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Harvard Law School, earned in 2014. Prior to law school, he completed a Master of Science (MSc) at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2011 and received his Bachelor of Arts (AB) from Princeton University in 2010 . Following law school, he clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit during the 2015–2016 term.
At SDNY, Issacharoff has been involved in several significant civil rights cases. Notably, he was part of the team that investigated and prosecuted the Mount Vernon Police Department for civil rights violations . Additionally, he has co-authored legal scholarship, including an essay titled “Constitutional Implications of the Cost of War,” published in the University of Chicago Law Review.
Early Life and Family Background
Parents and Siblings
Lucas Issacharoff was born to Samuel Issacharoff and Cynthia Louise Estlund. His father, Samuel Issacharoff, is a prominent American legal scholar specializing in constitutional law and voting rights. He serves as the Bonnie and Richard Reiss Professor of Constitutional Law at New York University School of Law. His mother, Cynthia Louise Estlund, is a legal academic with expertise in labor and employment law. Lucas has a sister named Jessica L. Issacharoff.
Early Education
Details about Issacharoff’s early education are limited. However, given his family’s academic background, it is likely that he attended reputable institutions during his formative years.
Educational Qualifications
Princeton University (2006–2010)
Issacharoff graduated from Princeton University in 2010, earning a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree. While specific details about his major are not publicly available, Princeton is known for its rigorous academic programs, suggesting a strong foundation in liberal arts.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (2010–2011)
Following his undergraduate studies, Issacharoff pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He graduated with distinction in 2011. This advanced degree likely provided him with a global perspective on economic and social development issues.
Harvard Law School (2011–2014)
Issacharoff earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Harvard Law School in 2014, graduating cum laude. During his time at Harvard, he co-authored a scholarly essay titled “Constitutional Implications of the Cost of War,” published in the University of Chicago Law Review. The essay examines the constitutional balance of war powers in the context of modern warfare.
Professional Career
U.S. Department of Justice – Criminal Appellate Division (2014–2015)
After completing his legal education, Issacharoff interned in the Criminal Appellate Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. This role likely involved analyzing and preparing legal briefs for appeals in criminal cases, providing him with experience in appellate law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (2015–Present)
In 2015, Issacharoff joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. By May 2016, he had become an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has been involved in several high-profile cases, particularly in the Civil Rights Division, where he has prosecuted cases related to police misconduct and civil liberties violations.
Notable Cases
Mount Vernon Police Department Civil Rights Violations (2024): Issacharoff was part of the team that investigated and prosecuted the Mount Vernon Police Department for civil rights violations. The case highlighted issues of police misconduct and the importance of accountability in law enforcement.
- Robert Hadden Sexual Misconduct Case (2024): He contributed to the prosecution of Dr. Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist charged with sexual misconduct. The case underscored the legal system’s role in addressing sexual abuse within medical professions.
- Civil Rights Cases (2019–2025): Issacharoff has been involved in various civil rights cases, advocating for justice and the protection of individual liberties. His work reflects a commitment to upholding constitutional rights.
Scholarly Contributions
In addition to his legal practice, Issacharoff has contributed to legal scholarship. He co-authored the essay “Constitutional Implications of the Cost of War,” which discusses the evolving dynamics of war powers in the United States. The essay examines how modern warfare and the decline of conscription have affected the constitutional balance of war authority.
Personal Life
Marriage to Maurene Comey
Lucas Issacharoff is married to Maurene Comey, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. Their marriage has attracted public attention, particularly following Maurene’s dismissal from the Department of Justice in July 2025. The couple maintains a relatively low public profile, and details about their personal life are limited.
Family Background
Issacharoff’s father, Samuel Issacharoff, is a renowned legal scholar specializing in constitutional law and voting rights. His mother, Cynthia Louise Estlund, is also a legal academic with expertise in labor and employment law. Lucas has a sister named Jessica L. Issacharoff. The family’s strong academic background has likely influenced Lucas’s own career in law.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Lucas Issacharoff’s net worth are not publicly available, Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of New York typically earn salaries ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience and tenure. Given his position and experience, Issacharoff’s earnings would likely fall within this range.
Public Perception and Media Attention
The Issacharoff family has occasionally been in the media spotlight due to their professional connections. Following Maurene Comey’s dismissal from the Department of Justice in July 2025, there was public speculation about the potential implications for Lucas Issacharoff’s position. However, as of the latest available information, there have been no official statements regarding any changes to his employment status.
Conclusion
Lucas Issacharoff is a dedicated attorney with a strong academic background and a commitment to civil rights law. His work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has contributed to significant legal precedents in the realm of civil liberties. While his personal life has attracted some public attention due to his marriage to Maurene Comey, his professional achievements stand as a testament to his legal expertise and dedication to justice.
FAQs
What is Lucas Issacharoff’s current position?
Lucas Issacharoff is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Where did Lucas Issacharoff receive his education?
He graduated from Princeton University, earned a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
What notable cases has Lucas Issacharoff been involved in?
He has worked on cases involving the Mount Vernon Police Department, Dr. Robert Hadden, and various civil rights matters.
Is Lucas Issacharoff related to any other prominent legal figures?
Yes, his father, Samuel Issacharoff, is a well-known legal scholar specializing in constitutional law and voting rights.
Who is Lucas Issacharoff married to?
He is married to Maurene Comey, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey.
Has Lucas Issacharoff faced any public controversies?
While his family has been in the media spotlight, there is no public record of Lucas Issacharoff being involved in any controversies.
Has Lucas Issacharoff published any legal scholarship?
Yes, he co-authored the essay “Constitutional Implications of the Cost of War,” published in the University of Chicago Law Review.
