New York City Mayor Eric Adams Nominates Randy Mastro as Corporation Counsel: Broad Support Highlights Mastro’s Legal Expertise and Commitment to Social Justice.
Randy Mastro, nominated by NYC Mayor Eric Adams as the city’s next corporation counsel, is widely praised for his extensive legal experience and advocacy for social justice and civil rights. Mastro’s nomination has received strong backing from political figures and community leaders, emphasizing his proven dedication, legal expertise, and significant past contributions to New York City.
– Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Randy Mastro as his nominee to be the city’s next corporation counsel. Randy Mastro is a nationally-renowned lawyer; an experienced public servant with an impressive record in government service; a long-time pro bono advocate for social justice, civil rights, and constitutional rights; a leader of revered civic organizations; and a proven leader committed to diversity and inclusion.
Here’s what even more New Yorkers are saying:
“Randy Mastro is an exceptional lawyer who would make a fantastic corporation counsel,” said U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi. “The city would be fortunate to be the beneficiary of his intellect, work ethic, experience, and his zeal for public service.”
“No one is one-dimensional, even as our current politics ignore that,” said New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick. “I appreciated Randy Mastro’s support for domestic partnership, then marriage equality, and he was the pro bono lawyer for my community and me against New York University’s expansion.”
“I have known Randy Mastro for many years, and I wish to express my enthusiastic support for his consideration as Corporation Counsel,” said New York State Assemblymember and former New York City Councilmember David Weprin. “After I was elected to the New York City Council, Randy was very helpful to me and gave me useful guidance upon my selection as Finance Chair. Randy is a fine public servant, a brilliant thinker, and would make a great choice for the role of Corporation Counsel.”
“Randy Mastro is a superb lawyer and advocate, who I have no doubt will be an exceptional corporation counsel for the City of New York,” said Jonathan Lippman, former chief judge, New York State Court of Appeals. “I commend Mayor Adams for making such a wise choice to fill such a critically important position in the administration.”
“Randy was there early, consistently, creatively, and helpfully, on the frontlines of the work to end discrimination against gay people and same-sex couples for over three decades,” said Evan Wolfson, founder, Freedom to Marry. “Randy remains committed to the work we have done together, and the work still needed. He made significant contributions to it, and I am proud of him for his help, skill, and heartfelt commitment. Our movement’s progress so far, as well as the urgent work still at hand, depends upon enlisting partners who care and bring their talents and passion to the cause. Randy has been one of those partners, and I am happy to support him now. He would be a very effective corporation counsel, an honest advisor, and an important and valuable engine of accomplishment for our city.”
“Mayor Adams has done well to nominate Randy Mastro as corporation counsel. Randy not only possesses a brilliant legal mind which no doubt will serve him well as the city’s top lawyer, but he also has an unwavering commitment to work tirelessly and zealously on behalf of all New Yorkers,” said Rolando Acosta, partner, Pillsbury Winthrop LLC and former presiding justice, Appellate Division, First Department. “I have personally observed his formidable talents when he litigated fundamental legal policy issues before me in Supreme Court and the First Department, and more recently as co-counsel arguing appellate cases. He is a smart and conscientious lawyer, and I can’t think of anyone more qualified to serve New Yorkers as corporation counsel of the City of New York.”
“To be an outstanding corporation counsel, one must be a top-flight lawyer, a proven administrator, and a master of public policy as well as law. Randy Mastro is all of these — and more,” said Hon. David B. Saxe, LLP, partner, Morrison Cohen and former associate justice, Appellate Division, First Department. “His administrative skills were evident when he served as a deputy mayor and City Hall chief of staff in a prior mayoral administration. I had the privilege of listening to Randy argue many important appeals during my almost twenty years of service as an appellate judge. He has a razor-sharp mind and is a deeply analytical legal thinker. His legal practice has been broad-based touching on many corridors of our society, which has enabled him to understand and participate fully in the shifting policy arguments that are constantly at work in government. These attributes, among others, make Randy Mastro ideal for appointment as New York City’s next corporation counsel.”
“Lawyers should be judged on their professionalism and the effectiveness of their advocacy, not by the allegations lodged against their clients,” said Carmen Ciparick, former Associate Judge, New York Court of Appeals. “This is the genius of our judicial system, which expects lawyers to take on clients whose causes are often unpopular. Randy Mastro has proven himself a skilled and effective advocate over decades and meets a high standard of lawyering. I have observed these qualities firsthand as he appeared before me on multiple occasions.”
“I have known Randy Mastro since 1994, and public service is his first love. A Democrat with a heart and intellectual integrity, his leadership at Citizens Union as chair has lifted the organization and refocused its mission. Mayors always need good lawyers, but getting a good lawyer that is a huge public advocate is unique,” said Tonio Burgos, member, Democratic National Committee and former aide to New York Governor Mario Cuomo. “Over the years I have worked with Randy on economic issues, social issues and his compassion and legal skills come together in different communities, like issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, and issues surrounding a woman’s right to choose. His work under a previous mayor focused on building New York City’s economy while returning old industries like the Fulton Fish Market on South Street, Pier 17, the amazing access to the waterfront that was created for New Yorkers and the millions of tourists that come to New York City. He also saved critical jobs at the Fish Market by finding them a home, along with other food industries, to the famous Hunts Point Market in the Bronx. Today, both communities thrive due to Randy’s legacy, policy, and persuasive skills.”
“Randy has been both a personal friend and professional counterpart for many years – and his love and dedication to New York City is evident to anyone who crosses his path,” said Charles John O’Byrne, executive vice president for policy, Related Companies, and former Secretary to New York Governor David Paterson. “Randy is a brilliant legal mind whose track record as a civic leader is underscored by his work at the bipartisan Citizens Union where I was proud to serve alongside him on the board of directors.”
“Randy Mastro is a person of exceptional moral character and has been that way for the more than 30 years that I have known him,” said Devorah Halberstam, co-founder, Jewish Children’s Museum and gun safety advocate. “In some of our darkest days following the tragic death of my son, Randy was there for me every step of the way, helping us navigate government, the legal system, and the unimaginable pain that grieving families experience. Randy would be an excellent choice for the position of corporation counsel, not only because he is a fighter for justice, but also because he is a master of the law, and a champion in understanding the many diverse communities that make up New York City and their unique needs. Randy is what this city needs.”
“I am pleased to support Randy Mastro’s nomination as the city’s top lawyer and to see him returning to city government,” said Imam Izak-El Mu’eed Pasha, community leader and Muslim cleric in Harlem. “We worked together when he was last in City Hall. I know him to be someone committed to social justice, civil rights, and inclusion. And I know he cares deeply about good government. We should welcome his return to city government for the good of all New Yorkers.”
“I first met Randy Mastro over 25 years ago when he was deputy mayor. Randy Mastro was brilliant, independent, and cared about our city,” said Virginia Kee, founding member, Chinese-American Planning Council. “In my experience, he has always been deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and social justice. I am therefore proud to enthusiastically support him and welcome his return to city government.”
“I know Randy from his pro bono work, and, in particular, two cases that we worked on together that were very important to the people of the City of New York. One was for the United Federation of Teachers and its then-President Randi Weingarten on one of the United Teacher Federation’s highest priorities: hiring more teachers to reduce class size. In court, Randy was passionate, relentless, and so convincing that immediately after the hearing, Randi Weingarten said to me, ‘He’s really good.’ And he was,” said Jerry Goldfeder, senior counsel, Cozen O’Connor. “I have no doubt that, as corporation counsel, Randy Mastro would be an excellent public servant for all of the people of New York City, and for all of our institutions, including the City Council. If he is nominated and confirmed, I believe you would find him to be creative, tenacious, and totally responsive. A man of utmost integrity, Randy would serve the city and all of us in the highest professional way.”
August 1, 2024 Manhattan New York
Sources: Midtown Tribune news, NYC.gov
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