Rudy Giuliani’s association with former President Donald Trump has cost him his law license.
Giuliani was disbarred on Tuesday in a decision handed down by the Appellate Division First Department in New York.
The ruling is a consequence of Giuliani’s “demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers, and the public at large in his capacity as lawyer for former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump campaign in connection with Trump’s failed effort at reelection in 2020.”
Giuliani claimed he believed the statements at the time he was making them but the court was not persuaded.
Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York, attends a ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Sept. 11, 2022.
Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
The decision added, “Contrary to respondent’s allegations, there is nothing on the record before us that would permit the conclusion that respondent lacked knowledge of the falsehood of the numerous statements that he made, and that he had a good faith basis to believe them to be true.”
As a lawyer, the decision said, Giuliani should have known better.
“The seriousness of respondent’s misconduct cannot be overstated,” the ruling said. “[R]espondent not only deliberately violated some of the most fundamental tenets of the legal profession, but he also actively contributed to the national strife that has followed the 2020 Presidential election, for which he is entirely unrepentant.”
Giuliani, several allies of Trump and alleged fake electors pleaded not guilty in May in a Maricopa County, Arizona, court for their alleged efforts to overturn the election results in that state.
The former NYC mayor that same month agreed to cease accusations of election fraud against two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 judgment after a judge found him guilty of defaming the two women.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Former New York City Mayor and personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, has been disbarred for making false and misleading statements about the 2020 election. The decision was made by the New York State Supreme Court, which found Giuliani’s conduct to be in violation of the rules of professional conduct for attorneys.
Giuliani’s role in promoting baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election has been widely criticized. He repeatedly appeared on television and at press conferences, spreading unfounded conspiracy theories and making unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud. These actions were seen as contributing to the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.
The court’s decision to disbar Giuliani sends a strong message that attorneys have a duty to uphold the truth and act with integrity. The ruling stated that Giuliani’s conduct “immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law.”
Giuliani’s disbarment is a significant blow to his legal career and reputation. As a former U.S. Attorney and Mayor of New York City, he was once seen as a respected figure in the legal community. However, his involvement in promoting false claims about the 2020 election has tarnished his legacy and led to professional consequences.
In response to the ruling, Giuliani’s legal team has indicated that they plan to appeal the decision. However, it is unlikely that he will be able to overturn the disbarment given the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The case of Rudy Giuliani serves as a cautionary tale for attorneys who may be tempted to prioritize political agendas over their ethical obligations. The legal profession relies on trust and credibility, and attorneys have a responsibility to uphold these principles in their practice. Giuliani’s disbarment underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty in the pursuit of justice.
