Karen Friedman Agnifilo Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Husband, Family, Education, Legal Career, Cases, Net Worth

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Wikipedia, Biography

Karen Friedman Agnifilo is a distinguished attorney with over three decades of experience in criminal justice, litigation, and trials. She served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office from 2014 to 2021, acting as second-in-command under District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in prosecuting high-profile violent crime cases and was instrumental in establishing specialized units such as the Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, and Cybercrimes and Identity Theft Bureau.

 

Before her role in the DA’s office, Friedman Agnifilo was General Counsel to the Criminal Justice Coordinator under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, focusing on overhauling the city’s criminal justice policy.

In 2021, she transitioned to private practice and is currently a partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP. Beyond her legal practice, she is a frequent media commentator, having served as a legal analyst for CNN, and co-hosts a weekly legal podcast. Additionally, she is the legal advisor for the television show “Law & Order.”

Recently, Friedman Agnifilo was retained to represent Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4, 2024, shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Notably, her husband and law partner, Marc Agnifilo, is representing Sean “Diddy” Combs in a separate high-profile federal sex trafficking case.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Age

Karen Friedman Agnifilo was born on September 5, 1966, making her 58 years old as of 2024.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Height

Karen Friedman Agnifilo stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (approximately 1.68 meters).

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Nationality/Ethnicity

Karen Friedman Agnifilo holds American nationality. However, specific information about her ethnicity is not publicly disclosed.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Early Life and Educational Background

Karen Friedman Agnifilo was born on September 5, 1966, in California, United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a degree in Political Science and Government between 1984 and 1988. Subsequently, she attended Georgetown University Law Center, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 1992. 

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Husband and Children

Karen Friedman Agnifilo is married to Marc Agnifilo, a prominent criminal defense attorney. The couple met in 1992 while working in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and married in 1996.

Together, they have three daughters: Camille “Eliza” Agnifilo and fraternal twins Sofia Agnifilo and Alex Agnifilo Conescu. Their daughter Alex is married to Ben Conescu.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Net Worth

Karen Friedman Agnifilo has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2024.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Career

Karen Friedman Agnifilo is a distinguished attorney with a career spanning over three decades in criminal justice, litigation, and trials. Her extensive experience encompasses roles in both public service and private practice, making her a prominent figure in the legal community.

Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan

Friedman Agnifilo began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where she served for 14 years. During this period, she held positions in various specialized units, including the Homicide Investigation Unit, the Family Violence and Child Abuse Bureau, and the Asian Gang Unit. Notably, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Sex Crimes Unit for four years, demonstrating her commitment to prosecuting sensitive and complex cases.

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Leadership Roles in the Manhattan DA’s Office

In 2010, Friedman Agnifilo was appointed as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Trial Division in the Manhattan DA’s Office. In this capacity, she oversaw the office’s trial operations, providing strategic leadership and ensuring the effective prosecution of cases.

Chief Assistant District Attorney

From 2014 to 2021, Friedman Agnifilo served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney, the second-highest position in the Manhattan DA’s Office. She managed a team of approximately 1,500 employees and oversaw a budget of $120 million. Her responsibilities included supervising complex and high-profile cases, and she often acted as the Acting District Attorney in the absence of the DA. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in establishing specialized units such as the Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, Antiquities Trafficking Unit, Terrorism Unit, and the Cybercrimes and Identity Theft Bureau. Additionally, she contributed to the creation of Manhattan’s first Mental Health Court, reflecting her commitment to addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

General Counsel to the Criminal Justice Coordinator

Between 2006 and 2010, Friedman Agnifilo served as General Counsel to the Criminal Justice Coordinator under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In this role, she was instrumental in transforming the city’s criminal justice policies, focusing on initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, improving court efficiency, and implementing reforms to create a more equitable justice system.

Transition to Private Practice

In 2021, Friedman Agnifilo transitioned to private practice and became a partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP. Her practice focuses on criminal defense in both state and federal courts, leveraging her extensive prosecutorial experience. She also represents plaintiffs in civil and employment matters, handles Title IX cases, and specializes in internal investigations related to misconduct, discrimination, and sexual assault.

Media Engagements and Legal Commentary

Beyond her legal practice, Friedman Agnifilo is a recognized legal analyst and commentator. She has served as a legal analyst for CNN and frequently appears on television to provide insights on legal matters. She co-hosts a weekly podcast on the Meidas Touch Network, where she discusses emerging legal issues and litigation strategies, attracting a substantial audience. Additionally, she serves as the legal advisor for the television show “Law & Order,” contributing her expertise to ensure the show’s legal accuracy.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo Notable Cases

Harvey Weinstein Prosecution

During her tenure as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, Friedman Agnifilo was involved in the early stages of the investigation into allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. However, due to a conflict of interest—her husband, Marc Agnifilo, was part of Weinstein’s defense team—she recused herself from the case.

Seton Hall University Investigation

Friedman Agnifilo led an investigation into allegations that Seton Hall University’s former board chairman had sexually harassed the wife of the university’s former president. The claims were later found to be unsubstantiated.

Defense of Luigi Mangione

In December 2024, Friedman Agnifilo was hired to represent Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This high-profile case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting her expertise in handling complex criminal defense matters.

FAQs

Who is Karen Friedman Agnifilo?

Karen Friedman Agnifilo is a distinguished attorney with over three decades of experience in criminal justice, litigation, and trials. She has served in various significant roles, including Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

What notable positions has she held in her career?

Throughout her career, Friedman Agnifilo has held several prominent positions, such as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Trial Division, and General Counsel to the New York City Mayor’s Office’s Criminal Justice Coordinator.

What is her current role?

Since 2021, Friedman Agnifilo has been in private practice as a partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP, focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, and internal investigations.

Has she been involved in any high-profile cases recently?

Yes, in December 2024, she was retained to represent Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Is she related to any other notable legal professionals?

Yes, her husband, Marc Agnifilo, is also a prominent attorney currently representing Sean “Diddy” Combs in a federal sex trafficking and racketeering case.

Has she contributed to media or legal commentary?

Friedman Agnifilo is a frequent television news guest and commentator, a former legal analyst for CNN, co-hosts a weekly podcast on the Meidas Touch Network, and serves as the legal advisor for the television show “Law & Order.”

What are some of her significant contributions to the Manhattan DA’s Office?

She played a critical leadership role in prosecuting high-profile violent crime cases, including complex cases involving a mental health component, as well as cold case homicides. She was also integral to creating the office’s Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, Antiquities Trafficking Unit, Terrorism Unit, and its Cybercrimes and Identity Theft Bureau.

What areas does her private practice focus on?

Her practice focuses on criminal defense in state and federal courts, representing plaintiffs in civil and employment matters, individuals in Title IX matters, and specializing in internal investigations relating to misconduct, discrimination, and sexual assault.