Chris Conniff
ON THE RECORD · 9 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“from my external viewpoint, he righted the ship and continued to do the work of the office in the time he was there.”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff assessed how Joon Kim steadied the SDNY after taking over from Bharara as acting U.S. attorney.
“Preet was very well-liked and well-respected,”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff reflected on Bharara's reputation and standing within the office.
“Joon, I would say, gave people confirmation that it was going to be alright, and it was going to be business as usual,”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff said Joon Kim reassured the office that operations would continue normally after Bharara's ouster.
“Preet's departure was very unique,”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff described the mood in the SDNY after Preet Bharara was fired by President Trump in 2017.
“I think he's known by everyone in the business as just an outstanding investigator, leaves no stone unturned.”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff praised Kim's investigative skills and thoroughness.
“We just lost a very charismatic and effective leader, and in a very dramatic way.”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff described the loss of Bharara as a dramatic event for the office.
“I don't think Joon would take an engagement in which he could not provide a fulsome report of what he uncovered during this investigation,”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff said he did not believe Kim would take on an engagement that prevented a thorough report.
“Any company board that is looking to do a good, thorough investigation of potential wrongdoing, Joon's perfect ... for it.”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff said Joon Kim is well-suited for boards seeking thorough investigations of potential wrongdoing.
“He could be a very tenacious courtroom advocate,”
Chris Conniff · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-12
Conniff, a close friend and former SDNY colleague of Joon Kim, described him as a determined courtroom advocate.