New York City’s top attorney, Sylvia Hinds-Radix, has formally resigned, following weeks of speculation that the Adams administration intended to replace her with the controversial litigator Randy Mastro.
In a detailed farewell email to the Law Department on Thursday, Hinds-Radix expressed her gratitude to her staff for their efforts in various legal battles, including shutting down cannabis shops, lawsuits against social media companies, Con Edison’s property tax bill challenge, and ghost-gun cases.
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Muriel Goode-Trufant, the first assistant corporation counsel, will assume the role of acting Corporation Counsel, according to the Law Department.
Hinds-Radix, who will step down on May 31, was reportedly blindsided by City Hall’s decision to bring in Mastro as her replacement last month. Sources indicated that her relationship with the administration deteriorated after she raised concerns about several legal matters, including the city representing the mayor in a sexual assault lawsuit and the closing of Rikers.
Mastro’s nomination has sparked controversy, with many council members vowing to oppose his confirmation due to concerns that his aggressive legal style would primarily serve to defend the mayor. Additionally, there was discontent among council members regarding the manner in which Hinds-Radix was forced out.
City Hall has argued that Mastro’s tenacious litigation skills would benefit the city broadly as head of the Law Department. Over the past few weeks, the administration has been trying to persuade council members in closed-door meetings to support Mastro.
Mayor Eric Adams has yet to formally nominate Mastro, who previously served as chief of staff and deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani, despite publicly and privately advocating for him for over six weeks. Adams’ top advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, told reporters on Tuesday that they had delayed submitting Mastro’s nomination out of respect for the council’s request for more time. She explained that council members needed to address the budget and other priorities first.
Both sides in City Hall need to finalize a deal by the end of June for the next fiscal year’s budget. In recent weeks, council members have been heavily engaged in budget hearings, questioning officials on various issues.
