With Mayor Eric Adams and top aides facing a tangle of investigations and lawsuits, he is quietly maneuvering to replace New York City’s top lawyer with a veteran litigator known for his aggressive tactics, two people who are familiar with the matter said.
The city is in the final stages of hiring Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor who served as chief of staff and deputy mayor to former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, a Republican, according to the two people, who were granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.
The city’s current corporation counsel, Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, a former judge who served in the role for nearly two and a half years, is expected to leave the administration.
Mr. Mastro has met with City Hall aides to discuss the job, and the city’s Department of Investigation has been notified that he is expected to join the administration, according to one of the people, and it will conduct a background investigation.
Mr. Mastro also notified his law firm, King & Spalding, about his likely departure for the position, according to another person who was familiar with the matter.
Mr. Adams, a Democrat who is running for re-election next year, most likely wants an assertive defender representing him and his administration, and Mr. Mastro fits the bill.
