Mayor’s Chief Legal Adviser Steps Down as Federal Probe Heats Up

Lisa Zornberg, a top legal adviser to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, abruptly resigns amid federal investigations, adding to the mounting instability in the mayor’s administration.

At a Glance

Zornberg resigned over the weekend, citing inability to effectively serve in her position.
Resignation follows seizure of phones from multiple members of Adams’ inner circle.
Adams denies knowledge of wrongdoing as federal investigations continue.
Departure marks latest sign of instability in Adams’ administration.

Sudden Departure Amid Ongoing Investigations

In a surprising turn of events, Lisa Zornberg, the chief legal adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has tendered her resignation. Zornberg, who had been serving as City Hall’s lead lawyer since July 2023, stepped down abruptly over the weekend, citing her inability to effectively continue in her role. This development comes as the Adams administration faces multiple federal investigations, the details of which remain undisclosed.

Zornberg’s departure is particularly significant given her position as a former federal prosecutor and her extensive experience, including work at the Southern District of New York and the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. Her resignation letter, though brief, clearly indicated the challenges she faced in her position.

Widening Federal Investigations

The resignation comes in the wake of federal authorities seizing phones from several high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration. Those affected include the head of the public schools system, a top deputy mayor, and two of Adams’ key advisers on public safety issues. Additionally, investigators conducted searches related to Terence Banks and Education Chancellor David Banks, further expanding the scope of their inquiry.

“It has been a great honor to serve the City. I am tendering my resignation, effective today, as I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve in my position. I wish you nothing but the best,” Zornberg wrote in a three-sentence resignation letter to Adams.

Separate investigations have involved the seizure of Mayor Adams’ own phones and searches of homes linked to his campaign fundraisers and director of Asian affairs. Despite these developments, Adams has consistently denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.

Impact on City Administration

Zornberg’s resignation is not an isolated incident of high-level departures from the Adams administration. Recently, the head of New York City’s police department, Edward Caban, also stepped down, citing the ongoing investigations. These departures have raised concerns about the stability of the city’s leadership and its ability to function effectively under such scrutiny.

“The timing [of Zornberg’s resignation] couldn’t look — or be — worse,” political pundit Ken Frydman told The Post. “She left her client — Eric Adams — without a chief counsel just when he and City Hall need one most.”

City Council members have expressed growing concern over the situation. Councilwoman Joann Ariola described the resignation as “really emblematic of the turmoil we are seeing at the heights of city government.” Councilman Oswald Feliz echoed these sentiments, stating that the situation is increasingly concerning.

Looking Ahead

As the Adams administration grapples with these challenges, the mayor has announced that an interim replacement for Zornberg will be named in the coming days. Adams expressed appreciation for Zornberg’s work during her 13-month tenure and wished her well in her future endeavors. However, the sudden nature of her departure and the ongoing investigations continue to cast a shadow over City Hall’s operations.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the Adams administration as it seeks to maintain stability and public trust while cooperating with federal investigations. The appointment of a new chief legal counsel will be closely watched, as will any further developments in the ongoing probes. For now, New York City’s government faces a period of uncertainty and potential upheaval as it navigates these turbulent waters.