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Mayor Adams’ top City Hall lawyer quits as federal investigations intensify
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 15, 2024
Modified Sep 15, 2024
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Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 15, 2024
Modified Sep 15, 2024
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Mayor Eric Adams’ chief counsel resigned Saturday without advance notice, according to a City Hall spokesperson.
Lisa Zornberg left after a little over a year on the job, while top officials in the administration face multiple federal investigations. Fabien Levy, the deputy mayor for communications, said her departure was effective immediately.
The mayor’s office provided Zornberg's resignation letter, which offered little explanation as to why she left.
"I am tendering my resignation, effective today, as I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve in my position," the letter said.
The abrupt exit leaves a significant hole in the administration — and draws attention to legal problems surrounding the mayor and his inner circle.
As chief counsel, Zornberg was responsible for defending the mayor amid a federal corruption investigation into his 2021 campaign. She also worked as an adviser on key policy issues, including his response to the migrant crisis.
Her resignation comes two days after NYPD commissioner Edward Caban stepped down, and a week after his phones were seized as part of a separate federal investigation. Other top Adams aides also had their phones taken, including first deputy mayor Sheena Wright, her partner schools chancellor David Banks and deputy mayor for public safety Phil Banks.
Before joining City Hall, Zornberg spent years as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which is now investigating several city officials. She also worked in white collar defense at a private firm before starting as chief counsel, according to a biography announcing her appointment.
Adams said in a statement that he appreciated the work Zornberg had done.
“These are hard jobs and we don’t expect anyone to stay in them forever,” he said.
He added that other senior members of Zornberg’s team “will remain in their roles to ensure the office continues to fully operate without issue, and we expect to name an acting chief counsel in the coming days.”
Adams tested positive for COVID on Monday, and he has not appeared in person at any public events since. On Thursday he delivered remarks virtually announcing Caban’s resignation.
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new york city
Politics
eric adams
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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