The Corporation Counsel of the Adams administration, Sylvia Hinds-Radix, resigned from her post after raising concerns over using the Law Department to defend the mayor in a sex assault lawsuit. City Hall had asked her to step down, but she refused until news surfaced that she was being replaced by Randy Mastro, prompting her to resign. Hinds-Radix was disappointed by how her exit unfolded publicly, and is expected to leave her post in the following week.
Hinds-Radix’s disagreements with City Hall extended to another legal issue, though details of that dispute are unknown. Mayor Adams denied any disagreements with his corporation counsel during a press conference, despite sources stating that City Hall was frustrated with her opposition. Hinds-Radix defended the mayor’s right to representation as a former Transit Authority employee under State Public Officers Law. She was reluctant to have city lawyers represent Adams and was displeased with being compelled to do so.
City Hall enlisted the help of celebrity attorney Alex Spiro at a discounted rate to take a more aggressive approach to the case. Spiro sought to dismiss the case and have the plaintiff, Lorna Beach-Mathura, questioned under oath. Beach-Mathura accused Adams of soliciting oral sex and exposing himself during the early 1990s while he was a transit cop. Despite the allegations, Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and defended using city attorneys for his defense. Hinds-Radix was not reachable for comments on the matter.
The news of Mastro’s potential appointment as corporation counsel was met with backlash from the New York City Council, with members expressing doubts about his confirmation. City Hall staff have tried to defend Mastro’s reputation as a successful lawyer, with Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg likening him to one of the nation’s founding fathers, John Adams. The process of appointing Mastro as corporation counsel will require confirmation by the City Council, and Adams deflected questions about possible alternative positions for Mastro within City Hall.
The appointment of Mastro as corporation counsel raises challenges for Mayor Adams, as members of the New York City Council have already indicated opposition to his confirmation. City Hall has been making a case for Mastro’s expertise and track record, emphasizing his past service to the city and its residents. Adams avoided commenting on potential alternative roles for Mastro if he fails to secure confirmation, with some political sources suggesting that Mastro would not accept a different position within the administration. The situation continues to evolve as City Hall navigates the process of appointing a new corporation counsel amidst public scrutiny and opposition.
