Mayor Adams Nominates Randy Mastro as NYC’s Top Lawyer

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the nomination of Randy Mastro to head the city’s law department on Tuesday, July 30th. 

Mastro, a partner at the law firm King & Spalding and former deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani from 1994 to 1998, has been chosen to serve as the corporation counsel. 

From 1985 to 1989, he was assistant United States attorney and deputy chief of the Civil Division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, focusing on organized crime cases.

In this role, Mastro will lead the New York City Department of Law and represent the mayor’s office, city agencies, and the city council in all civil litigation.

In a statement, Adams said, “Randy is a world-renowned attorney who brings decades of experience as a public servant, federal prosecutor, preeminent trial lawyer, and as someone who has built a career around fighting corruption, delivering justice for 9/11 families and non-profit organizations, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, championing racial justice, and standing up to the Trump administration.” 

The mayor added, “He has led the charge against organized crime in this city, litigated many high-profile public issues on a pro bono basis on behalf of democratic causes, served as vice chair of Legal Aid, and chaired Citizens Union, New York City’s revered good government group.”

The nomination for the position of corporation counsel has stirred both support and opposition. While prominent legal figures, including former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, have endorsed Mastro, the city council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus has expressed concerns about his professional history.

Former New York Governor David Paterson said, “I am adding my voice to those who strongly support Mayor Eric Adams’ desire to appoint Randy Mastro as the corporation counsel for the City of New York. Randy is a proven leader and has the will, determination, and compassion needed to deliver real results for the residents of the City of New York. As the leader of the New York State Government, I always appreciated his partnership helping to provide relief for communities in Harlem when they were facing true quality-of-life issues that we needed the city’s help to address. Therefore, it is my honor to endorse the choice of my friend Eric Adams to utilize the services of this outstanding civic leader and his exemplary portfolio.”

Former New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson called Mastro a “valuable friend and colleague.” He continued, “Randy Mastro has been part of New York City civic life for decades. He is a principled person, a brilliant attorney, a true New Yorker, and an incomparable civil servant….New York City will be lucky to have Randy’s tenacity, trustworthiness, and extraordinary legal mind advocating for us in the years to come.”

Zachary Carter, who served as Corporation Counsel under Mayor Bill de Blasio, said, “I am convinced that he understands and accepts the responsibility of the Law Department to advise the mayor and all city agencies when proposed public policies may not be consistent with applicable laws or the Constitution, and to provide imaginative legal solutions to the city’s most vexing problems.”

Former Corporation Counsel under Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President of the New York City Bar Association Michael Cardozo said, “Randy is a very high quality, experienced trial lawyer who has successfully litigated a number of important cases. Along with his past service in city hall, his litigation background, and the litigations he has brought against New York City, Randy has the familiarity and experience to deal with many of the legal issues the city faces today. Randy’s experience and the reputation he has earned should serve him well as he takes on what I believe to be the best legal job any lawyer can have in this country.”

“I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to return to city government. I am a passionate advocate in the courtroom and a proud New Yorker who loves this city,” Mastro noted.

Mastro’s career includes high-profile cases such as investigating the “Bridgegate” scandal for former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and representing Chevron in a complex environmental litigation case.

If confirmed, Mastro would replace acting corporation counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant, who stepped in after Sylvia Hinds-Radix’s departure in May. 

The city council is expected to consider the nomination within 30 days of its formal receipt.