A close associate of Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who plays a role in selecting judicial candidates, has been linked to a Manhattan law firm now under scrutiny for alleged involvement in a large-scale insurance fraud operation.
Ali Najmi, an election attorney regarded by Mr. Hitzoner as a “brother” and who was instrumental in the Democratic Socialists’ political ascent, joined the Liakas Law Firm just before the November elections.
Legal experts are raising ethical concerns about Mr. Najmi’s position as a “special prosecutor,” noting that his situation quite resembles that of Sheldon Silver, the disgraced former state Assembly speaker who amassed millions through dubious arrangements while never actually practicing law.
Liakas Law is currently facing a federal lawsuit that accuses it of functioning as a “fraudulent enterprise.” The firm is alleged to prey on immigrants and those with limited financial resources, engaging in “sham litigation and exorbitant medical costs.”
“New Yorkers certainly don’t need another scenario like Shelley Silver,” remarked Tom Stebbins, president of the New York State Litigation Reform Alliance.
Concerns about possible conflicts of interest are evident, particularly given that a prominent aide could covertly serve as a “special advisor” to a law firm, potentially swaying the mayor’s views on policies important to that firm’s financial interests.
This role bears resemblance to the “of counsel” positions held by Mr. Silver, who had ongoing relationships with major law firms, facilitating decisions that benefited those firms.
By leveraging his influential position, Silver not only promoted policies advantageous to law practices, but he also steered cases to judges who were indebted to him for their careers.
Mr. Najmi, appointed as chair of the Judicial Advisory Committee by Mr. Mamdani in January, is now directly involved in choosing judicial candidates. This committee fills posts in family, civil, and interim criminal courts.
Silver had similar authority in appointing firm allies in a committee years ago.
“I’ve been working as a ‘lawyer’ for ages, yet I’ve never actually tried a case,” someone remarked. The notion that plaintiff attorneys would assist in evaluating judicial candidates seemed quite absurd to them.
Mr. Silver reportedly earned over $3 million in referral fees while wielding significant influence in Albany.
Najmi’s LinkedIn profile states that he started as a “special prosecutor” at Liakas in October 2025, just before Mamdani won the mayoral race.
“Every morning when I step into Liakas Court, I remember why I chose this field,” Najmi stated in a promotional-style message, as shared in a video where he’s seen getting high-fives.
Alongside his role at Liakas, he also runs a private firm focused on criminal defense, civil rights, and election law.
Najmi has played a pivotal role in Mamdani’s electoral campaigns and has been influential within Queens’ Democratic Party for over a decade, contributing to numerous campaigns in the last primary election.
Interestingly, one of Mamdani’s first political endeavors was over a decade ago when he supported Najmi’s unsuccessful City Council bid, solidifying their ongoing close friendship.
City Hall has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this situation.
A recent lawsuit by Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company against Liakas asserts that the firm engaged in recruiting plaintiffs—often vulnerable undocumented immigrants—to exaggerate injuries and backed false insurance claims with fabricated medical documentation.
Several instances highlighted in the lawsuit showcase clients claiming severe disabilities, yet appearing in social media photos enjoying activities like sports or night-life soon after.
The lawsuit mentions a client testifying to being “disabled to the extent of needing help to wear underwear,” while evidence included showed them celebrating a soccer game just two months later.
Over the last year, Liakas lodged approximately 20 suits against the city, totaling over 50 lawsuits filed against it in recent records.
This situation has certainly raised eyebrows, particularly as Najmi’s newly acquired authority could influence judicial appointments.
“Considering his ties to the plaintiff’s firm, it raises questions—could his viewpoint lean towards their interests?” Stebbins added.
Najmi, however, emphasized that he is not involved in any “frivolous” litigation aimed at the firm, arguing against the claims in the lawsuit.
Hank Sheinkoff, speaking for Liakas, dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded, asserting the claims were baseless and would fall apart under judicial scrutiny.
Additionally, last month, the federal government initiated a lawsuit against Liakas for allegedly fraudulently obtaining $1.09 million in PPP loans, entailing a total liability of $3.29 million in damages.
Reports from tort reform groups have indicated that New Yorkers spent $96 billion on excessive legal disputes last year, grading the state’s court system the second worst “judicial hellhole” nationwide.
“There’s significant fraud happening on our streets and construction sites,” Stebbins pointed out. “The last thing we need is for politicians to gain from that.”
