New York, NY – Allison Greenfield, a law clerk involved in Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial, has clinched a judgeship in New York City’s civil court, stepping into her new role unopposed after a unanimous endorsement from a local Democratic committee in February.
At 38, Greenfield was among six candidates vying for an equal number of seats on the court, which adjudicates small claims and other lesser legal disputes. Her campaign succeeded without a primary contest, culminating in her election on Tuesday.
Greenfield’s ascent to the bench comes after her tenure as the principal law clerk to Judge Arthur Engoron during a high-profile case against Donald Trump, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit accused the former president of inflating his net worth by billions to secure more favorable bank loans and tax advantages from 2011 to 2021.
During the proceedings, Trump lashed out at Greenfield on social media, prompting Engoron to issue a gag order to prevent further attacks on court personnel. Trump was fined $15,000 for violating this gag order multiple times, and the edict was later expanded to include his legal team following their criticism of Greenfield’s actions in court.
Trump’s attorneys had labeled Greenfield a “de facto co-judge,” suggesting her political preferences influenced the trial. This was exacerbated when conservative media highlighted a citizen complaint claiming Greenfield had breached court rules by donating to Democratic causes. These donations were reportedly made during her unsuccessful run for a judgeship in 2022.
Engoron staunchly defended Greenfield’s role throughout the trial, asserting his undisputed authority to consult with his law clerk. The civil fraud trial concluded early this year with Engoron fining Trump roughly $355 million and imposing a three-year business ban in New York. Trump, maintaining his innocence, has denounced the trial as politically charged.
Born and educated in Manhattan, Greenfield studied economics and politics at New York University before obtaining her law degree from Cardozo School of Law in 2010. She joined Engoron’s office in 2019 after an initial stint in the city’s legal system. Her recent appointment to the civil court might set her on a path similar to Engoron’s, potentially leading to a future role in New York’s State Supreme Court.
As Greenfield assumes her judicial duties, the implications of her previous high-profile case continue to resonate in legal and political circles, underscoring the often contentious interplay between law and politics.
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