U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman of the Southern District of New York announced Wednesday that Cooley LLP partner Laura Grossfield Birger is returning to the office as head of the criminal division.

“Laura was an outstanding AUSA during her prior tour in the office and is an accomplished criminal defense lawyer. I am confident that with her intellect, energy, vision and leadership, Laura will be a terrific Criminal Division chief,” Berman said in a statement.