A GOP candidate for New York attorney general accused Letitia James of using $20 million to hire outside lawyers to perform work for her office. The accusation came alongside criticism of a $10 million legal defense fund expanded by state Democrats to cover outside legal expenses for embattled officials. The challenger questioned why tens of millions in taxpayer dollars were allegedly spent on outside law firms representing the attorney general’s office. She cited campaign contributions from lawyers at those firms, including Davis Polk & Wardwell, and noted a large retainer for a sexual harassment case. She also referenced financial disclosures involving the governor’s husband and Davis Polk. Federal efforts to pursue alleged fraud tied to a mortgage application were also mentioned.
"Komatireddy also questioned why James has allegedly spent tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to bring in outside law firms to represent her office. Around 145 lawyers at those same firms gave a combined $23,000 to James' campaign, Komatireddy pointed out. Those included Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP - a ritzy white shoe firm that's on a $575,000 retainer to represent the AG's office in a sexual harassment suit filed by a former senior aide."
"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,"
"Gov. Kathy Hochul's husband, Bill Hochul, is paid roughly $1.3 million a year by Davis Polk, though he does not handle matters involving the state, according to the governor's financial disclosure form."
"Meanwhile, lawmakers in Albany renewed the defense fund to help their embattled fellow pols with outside legal expenses, such as James, as the feds continue to try to nab her for alleged fraud related to a mortgage application for a home in Virginia."
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