Rudy Giuliani, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former mayor of New York City, has been disbarred by a New York appeals court, marking a significant turn in his storied legal career.
The ruling, effective immediately, stems from Giuliani’s actions challenging the 2020 presidential election results.
The Appellate Division, First Department claimed that Giuliani “flagrantly misused” his position as an attorney for former President Donald Trump and his campaign.
The court cited “intentionally” false statements made to courts, lawmakers, and the public about the 2020 election, particularly focusing on claims in Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
Giuliani has denied that he made false statements, and said the rulings were politically biased.
“In so doing, respondent 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,” the court stated in its 31-page ruling.
This decision follows the 2021 suspension of Giuliani’s New York law license and a similar suspension in Washington, D.C.
The 80-year-old former mayor is now prohibited from practicing law in any form or presenting himself as an attorney.
Giuliani’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision, calling it “objectively flawed.”
His spokesperson, Ted Goodman, urged others in the legal community to speak out against what he termed a “politically and ideologically corrupted decision.”
This disbarment is the latest in a series of legal challenges for Giuliani. In December, he was ordered to pay nearly $150 million to Georgia election workers in a defamation suit, leading to his declaration of bankruptcy.
He also faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to election challenge efforts.
Despite these recent setbacks, it’s important to note Giuliani’s significant earlier career achievements. As U.S. Attorney, he successfully prosecuted high-profile cases against organized crime.
As mayor of New York City, he was credited with reducing crime rates and played a crucial role in the city’s response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, earning him the moniker “America’s Mayor.”