Hochul’s Husband Joins Elite Law Firm Amid Political Spotlight

William Hochul’s move to Davis Polk raises questions as governor faces Trump administration

Career Transition to Private Practice

William J. Hochul Jr., husband of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, joined the prestigious international law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell in January 2024 as counsel in the white collar defense and investigations practice. The move came after Hochul stepped down from his position as general counsel for Delaware North, a hospitality company where he had worked since 2016. His arrival at Davis Polk coincides with a politically charged period as his wife prepares to work with the incoming Trump administration while also potentially positioning for her 2026 reelection campaign.

Distinguished Legal Career

William Hochul brings nearly 30 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Justice to his new role. President Obama nominated him in 2009 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, a position he held until 2016. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Hochul was awarded the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service–the highest award conferred by the Department of Justice–for his work dismantling the Lackawanna Six terrorist cell in 2003. According to his Davis Polk biography, he conducted well over 50 jury trials and worked on high-profile cases involving international terrorism, labor racketeering, organized crime, public corruption, and money laundering. He is particularly recognized as one of the first prosecutors to use federal racketeering statutes to dismantle violent street gangs. At Davis Polk, Hochul advises clients on complex government and internal investigations, crisis management, communications strategy, and risk mitigation. His transition to private practice represents a common career path for former federal prosecutors, though the timing and his wife’s position as governor have attracted scrutiny.

Financial Disclosures and Ethics Questions

The couple’s financial situation has drawn attention, particularly after their 2023 tax returns revealed they made approximately $2 million in adjusted gross income, with the majority–$1.5 million–coming from William’s compensation at Delaware North. At Davis Polk, his 2024 compensation was reported as $949,946. The governor’s office has emphasized that William Hochul “does not appear or practice before New York state agencies” and that while “Davis Polk represents clients before state agencies,” he “does not participate in these matters.” This arrangement is designed to avoid potential conflicts of interest given his wife’s position. However, according to investigative reporting by White Collar Fraud, questions have been raised about payments from state entities to Davis Polk after William joined the firm, though the firm has maintained strict ethical walls between his work and any state-related matters. As Governor Hochul navigates her relationship with the Trump administration–having recently revived the controversial congestion pricing plan that Trump opposes–her husband’s position at a firm that frequently handles high-stakes political and corporate matters adds another dimension to the family’s political profile. According to international political coverage, the Hochuls have been married for 40 years and have two children together. William’s career path from public service to private practice mirrors that of many government officials, though few navigate the unique dynamics of having a spouse simultaneously serving as a state governor. His expertise in white collar defense and government investigations may prove particularly relevant as political tensions rise between state and federal authorities under the Trump administration.