Mayor Adams Announces Nomination of Muriel Goode-Trufant as New York City’s Next Corporation Counsel

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his intention to nominate Muriel Goode-Trufant as the city’s next corporation counsel on Tuesday, October 1st. With over three decades of experience in the New York City Department of Law, Goode-Trufant has been serving as acting corporation counsel since this summer. Once officially confirmed, she will oversee the department responsible for legal representation to the city government, including the Mayor’s Office, the Public Advocate, the Comptroller, city agencies, and the City Council, in civil litigation.

“I am excited to announce my intention to nominate Muriel Goode-Trufant as New York City’s next corporation counsel,” said Mayor Adams. “Muriel’s record speaks for itself — a dedicated public servant with more than 30 years of experience at the Law Department, a recipient of the agency’s highest honor, and a lawyer who has fought for equity and justice. As our next corporation counsel, Muriel is prepared to serve our entire municipal government and use the full power of our legal system to lead our city forward.”

Goode-Trufant’s distinguished career began at the New York City Department of Law in 1991, where she worked in the General Litigation Division. Over the years, she has held several key roles, including assistant chief of the division, Equal Employment Opportunity officer, and Special Federal Litigation Division chief. In 2015, she was appointed managing attorney for the department, and in 2023, she became first assistant corporation counsel. Her decades of legal service have earned her the department’s highest honor, the Corporation Counsel’s Award for Distinguished Legal Service, in 2011.

Reacting to the announcement, Muriel Goode-Trufant expressed her gratitude and commitment. “I am humbled and honored by the intention to be nominated by Mayor Adams to serve as the city’s next corporation counsel. Through my more than three decades as an attorney at the New York City Law Department, I am keenly aware of the vital role the corporation counsel plays in New York City government,” said Goode-Trufant.

Goode-Trufant will replace Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix, who resigned at the end of May. Her nomination now moves to the City Council for confirmation, as required by the City Charter.

A graduate of Temple University School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania, Goode-Trufant has also worked in private practice as an associate at the Philadelphia law firm Cohen, Shapiro, Polisher, Shiekman & Cohen before joining the city.

Her leadership at the Law Department comes as the city faces various legal and policy challenges. With her extensive background in litigation and management, Goode-Trufant is seen as a strong candidate to navigate the city’s legal complexities and uphold justice for the people of New York.

With her nomination, Goode-Trufant’s extensive experience will be crucial in addressing the city’s ongoing legal and policy challenges, ensuring that justice is served across New York City.