Chief Legal Counsel to New York City mayor resigns amidst growing investigations

The chief legal adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams has resigned abruptly, adding to the growing turmoil in his administration amid numerous federal investigations. Lisa Zornberg, who provided legal counsel to Adams and other city officials for over a year, submitted her resignation over the weekend, stating that she could no longer effectively serve in her position.

Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor, played a key role in handling legal matters and addressing questions from the media on behalf of Mayor Adams. Her departure follows the recent seizure of phones belonging to several high-ranking members of Adams’ inner circle by federal investigators, including the city’s police commissioner who resigned amid the investigations.

Despite leading some of the probes into the Adams administration, Zornberg was not among the officials whose phones were taken. The investigations, whose subjects have not been disclosed by federal authorities, have targeted individuals such as the police commissioner, head of public schools, a top deputy mayor, and key public safety advisers to Mayor Adams.

Federal agents also seized devices from the police commissioner’s twin brother and conducted searches related to other individuals connected to Adams’ administration. These investigations are part of broader inquiries that have included searches of properties linked to Adams’ associates and fundraising team.

Mayor Adams, who has denied any involvement in misconduct, expressed gratitude for Zornberg’s service and announced that an interim replacement would be named soon. Adams acknowledged the challenges of the roles within his administration and wished Zornberg well in her future endeavors following her departure.