New York Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Appoints Controversial Lawyer Ramzi Kassem as City’s Chief Counsel
NEW YORK, NY — In a move that has sparked both praise and controversy, New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday the appointment of attorney Ramzi Kassem as the city’s chief counsel, the highest legal position in the municipal government. Kassem is widely recognized for his defense of Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative convicted for his role in a deadly 2002 terrorist attack on the French oil tanker MV Limburg.
Kassem’s legal career is marked by high-profile and often contentious cases. He served as lead defense counsel for al-Darbi, who pled guilty in 2014 before a U.S. military commission to conspiracy related to the bombing off Yemen’s coast that killed one civilian and injured several others. Following his conviction in 2017, al-Darbi was transferred to Saudi custody in 2018 during the Trump administration. At the time, Kassem expressed hope that the repatriation would “mark the end of injustice” after al-Darbi endured “16 long and painful years in captivity.”
Beyond his defense work, Kassem has held significant policy roles, including serving as a senior advisor on immigration for the White House Domestic Policy Council under the Biden administration. His advocacy extends to representing marginalized individuals, such as Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and anti-Israel activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2025 for allegedly leading antisemitic demonstrations on campus. Khalil was subsequently released, though his legal case remains ongoing.
Mayor-elect Mamdani, who assumes office on January 1, praised Kassem’s experience and commitment, stating, “I will turn to Ramzi for his remarkable experience and his commitment to defending those too often abandoned by our legal system.” He added that Kassem’s presence in City Hall would strengthen efforts to build “a more prosperous city for all” and provide a “powerful advocate” for New Yorkers who have long felt marginalized.
This appointment comes as Mamdani also named Steven Banks, a self-described social justice attorney, as corporation counsel and Helen Arteaga as deputy mayor for health and human services. Mamdani, a socialist who won the mayoral race in a political shift for the city, has emphasized inclusivity and justice reform as cornerstones of his administration.
The decision to appoint Kassem has drawn scrutiny given his defense of a convicted terrorist, with critics expressing concern over the message it sends regarding public safety and legal priorities. Supporters, however, highlight Kassem’s dedication to civil rights and his efforts to challenge systemic injustices within the legal system.
Legal experts note that the role of chief counsel involves advising the mayor and city agencies on legal matters, representing the city in litigation, and shaping policies that impact millions of residents. Kassem’s background in immigration law and civil liberties advocacy may influence the city’s approach to these issues.
As Mamdani prepares to take office, his appointments signal a commitment to reshaping New York City’s legal landscape. The mayor-elect’s inauguration will feature prominent progressive figures, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivering opening remarks and Senator Bernie Sanders administering the oath of office.
New Yorkers watching these developments will be keen to see how Kassem’s tenure as chief counsel unfolds amid ongoing debates over justice, security, and equity in one of the nation’s largest cities. For more on immigration policy and legal advocacy, visit the U.S. Department of Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Mayor-elect Mamdani’s appointments underscore a broader national conversation about the balance between security and civil rights, as cities across the country grapple with similar challenges.
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