New York, NY — In a sudden move over the weekend, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ chief legal advisor, Lisa Zornberg, resigned, marking the latest shakeup amidst ongoing federal probes into the administration. Zornberg, who has been instrumental in crafting legal strategies for the city and handling inquiries from journalists, stepped down from her role after serving more than a year.
In her resignation letter, Zornberg expressed her gratitude for the chance to serve the city but highlighted her inability to effectively continue in her role. Her resignation came unexpectedly Saturday night and follows closely on the heels of other notable departures within the administration.
This turmoil within City Hall aligns with the recent seizures of communication devices belonging to several key members of Adams’ team, part of a wider investigation by federal authorities. Among those affected, Police Commissioner Edward Caban also tendered his resignation earlier last week, citing the distractions caused by the investigations.
The federal investigators, while tight-lipped about the specifics, have targeted high-ranking officials across various departments. Devices were taken from personnel including the head of the public schools system, a senior deputy mayor, and two prominent public safety advisors to Mayor Adams. Additionally, searches have extended to relatives and associates connected to the administration, indicating a broad and deep scrutiny.
Zornberg herself was not among those whose devices were seized. Before her appointment to the mayor’s team, she served as a federal prosecutor, a role that saw her leading prosecutions similar to those now directed at her former colleagues. Her background lent her a unique perspective on the legal challenges facing the mayor’s office.
In past cases, federal authorities intensified their focus on Adams himself, collecting mobile devices, raiding the residence of a major campaign donor, and probing connections within his administration. Despite these actions, Mayor Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and expressed his commitment to transparency and cooperation.
As the administration braces for further developments, Mayor Adams recognized Zornberg’s contributions, praising her dedication and affirming the demanding nature of her position. An interim replacement for her will be named shortly, as the city seeks stability in its legal affairs during these tumultuous times.
This pattern of resignations and investigations gradually casts a shadow over Mayor Adams’ administration, challenging its effectiveness and raising questions about governance and integrity as the federal inquiries unfold. The outcomes of these investigations are keenly awaited, not just by those directly involved but also by the broader public, eager for resolution and clarity.