New York City’s Mayor-elect Names Controversial Lawyer as Chief Counsel
On Tuesday, Zoran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, revealed that he has chosen Ramzi Qassem, a lawyer known for defending controversial figures, as the city’s chief legal officer. Mamdani will officially take office on January 1.
In addition to Qassem’s appointment, Mamdani also highlighted Helen Arteaga’s role as a “Social Justice Lawyer” and her position as Corporate Advisor and Deputy Mayor for Health and Welfare.
Qassem has a history that includes work as a senior policy advisor for immigration on the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Biden. Notably, he was the lead attorney for Ahmed al-Dalbi, who in 2014 admitted to conspiracy for participating in a plot to bomb the French oil tanker MV Limburg, which resulted in a civilian casualty. Al-Dalbi was ultimately transferred to Saudi Arabia in 2018.
Reflecting on his legal work, Qassem expressed hope that repatriation could end what he described as an injustice for his client, who had spent many years in captivity. He recounted how arduous it was for al-Dalbi over 16 years.
In a distinct case, Qassem represented Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student engaged in an anti-Israel protest, who was detained by ICE. Khalil’s situation is still unfolding, but he has been released.
Mamdani praised Qassem’s extensive experience in advocating for those neglected by the legal system, saying that his presence would make City Hall more robust and significantly contribute to efforts aimed at a more equitable city.
Qassem also shared his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he sees it as a duty to serve the city that he considers home. He reflected on his upbringing in tumultuous environments in the Middle East, where he faced harsh conditions, and identified New York as the stable place he’s always sought.
As an advocate, Qassem founded the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) legal clinic, which aims to support various communities, particularly those targeted by governmental actions in the name of national security.
