New York City's Chief Legal Counsel Announces Abrupt Resignation

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Chief Councilwoman Lisa Zornberg announced her intention to resign late Saturday night.

“I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for the opportunity to serve the City, and I strongly support the work he has done and continues to do for New Yorkers,” Zornberg said in a statement.

Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor, was appointed to her post by Adams in July 2023.

“We appreciate all the work Lisa has done for our administration and, more importantly, the city over the past 13 months,” Adams said. “These are difficult jobs and we do not expect anyone to stay in them forever. We wish Lisa all the best in her future endeavors. The other senior members of the legal counsel team will remain in their positions to ensure the office continues to function fully and smoothly, and we expect to appoint an interim chief legal counsel in the coming days.”

No further details were given about the sudden weekend announcement.

Zornberg worked on behalf of the city and was not Adams’ personal attorney, but functioned as an advisor to the mayor providing legal and strategic advice to City Hall.

She attended the mayor’s weekly press briefings and answered questions about several ongoing federal investigations.

Zornberg did not explain the reason for his sudden departure, but the timing is notable, coming a week after federal investigators seized the devices of several senior Adams administration officials and as details emerged in a widening series of corruption investigations.

At the time, Zornberg issued a statement saying, “Investigators have not indicated to us that the mayor or his staff are the target of any investigation. As a former law enforcement officer, the mayor has repeatedly made it clear that all staff members must follow the law.”

Adams has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and said he is cooperating with investigations.

No charges have been filed.