WASHINGTON, DC, July 20, 2021: Morgan Lewis partner Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. was confirmed today by the US Senate to serve as the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division at the US Department of Justice. Kenneth, who is also a former US Attorney and former chief compliance officer, has led a variety of complex criminal, civil, and compliance matters at Morgan Lewis.
“It is a tremendous honor for Kenneth to be selected for this leadership position at the Department of Justice,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “We are very proud and are confident that he will perform his new role with distinction as he continues his long record of government service and dedication to the rule of law.”
At the DOJ, Kenneth will oversee criminal investigations and prosecutions throughout the United States. Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Kenneth served as vice president and chief compliance officer for a Fortune 500 company. Earlier, he served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans and as an assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of New York. He also served as a law clerk at the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Kenneth is a member of the firm’s top-tier white collar team, which includes many who have served in government. For example, Matthew Miner, who prior to rejoining the firm in January 2020 served as the DOJ’s Deputy Assistant Attorney General; Sandra Moser previously served as former chief of the DOJ’s Fraud Section; Zane Memeger previously served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and more than a dozen have served as AUSAs.
During Kenneth’s time with Morgan Lewis, he served on the firm’s racial justice task force, Mobilizing for Equality, including as a co-leader of the Conversation on Privilege and Anti-Racism working group. A frequent speaker on criminal justice reform, Kenneth has received numerous accolades for his practice, civic roles, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in addition to serving on several nonprofit boards.