politics
New York Attorney General Accused of Spending $20 Million on Outside Lawyers
A Republican candidate for New York attorney general said the current officeholder spent $20 million on outside law firms. The same candidate also criticized a $10 million legal defense fund that state lawmakers renewed and expanded this year.
May 29, 3:05 PM·1m read1 source
New York PostAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A Republican candidate for New York attorney general accused the officeholder of spending $20 million on outside law firms to handle work normally done by staff attorneys. The candidate, a former federal prosecutor, said the spending occurred while state Democrats expanded a $10 million legal defense fund originally created last year.
"The $10 million legal defense fund set aside for Letitia James's personal legal troubles is an insult to hardworking taxpayers who are already struggling with the highest costs in the nation," the candidate said in a statement. The candidate also noted that about 145 lawyers at the outside firms contributed a combined $23,000 to the officeholder's campaign.
One firm, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, holds a $575,000 retainer to represent the office in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former senior aide.
State lawmakers renewed the legal defense fund this year and broadened the list of expenses that can be reimbursed. The changes allow any statewide elected official to seek taxpayer reimbursement for costs related to hearings or indictments. "Instead of taking care of the homeless, the mentally ill, the drug addicted, and repeat offenders, AG James just takes care of herself," the candidate said.
