Friday was the last day for Sylvia Hinds-Radix as corporation counsel for Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

Adams addressed Radix’s departure at an unrelated event on Friday morning.

“I thank her for her service and I thank her for her dedication to the people of this city,” Adams said.

What You Need To Know

  • On Thursday, the city's top lawyer, Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix, officially submitted her resignation

  • Radix's departure comes as Mayor Eric Adams has been potentially considering ex-Giuliani aide, Randy Mastro, for the position

  • The mayor and Radix were reportedly at odds over the city representing him in a sexual assault lawsuit
  • Friday was Radix's last day, she appeared along other top administration officials at a public safety ceremony

Radix served as the city’s top attorney, leading the city’s law department for over two years. She was appointed by Adams at the start of this term in January 2022.

“Not only did she serve this city as an attorney, as a judge, but also as our corporation counsel. Look over the last two years and six months,” Adams said. “Leading a group of lawyers larger than any major law firm in the country. She did it with a level of dignity that I respect.”

Radix formally submitted her resignation on Thursday afternoon. Her intent to leave was made known in an email she sent to all her staff titled “Farewell and Thank You.”

In the letter, Radix pointed to highlights of her tenure, including her work on the migrant crisis, housing, public safety and illegal weed shops.

Radix ended the letter with, “It has been an honor to work with you serving the people of this great city.”

Radix’s exit comes as Adams has been looking to potentially replace her with Randy Mastro, a top aide to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Radix and Adams’ rupture reportedly came amid disagreements over the city representing him in a sexual assault lawsuit, though the mayor has denied any problems.

“Judge Radix is a longtime friend for many, many years. I was at her daughter’s wedding. There is no disagreement,” Adams said at one of his weekly question-and-answer sessions in late April.

Meanwhile, Mastro’s nomination seems to be on rocky ground. On Tuesday, city officials said the nomination was being withheld.

“Out of respect for them, we’re holding up to give them [the City Council] time to go through all of the things that they need to go through. So they can do a true assessment of who our potential candidate may be,” the mayor’s chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, said on Tuesday.

Before a new corporation counsel can be named, that person must first be approved by the City Council. Local lawmakers have been critical of Mastro for his past legal work and previously stated they disapproved of him.

First Assistant Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant will serve as acting corporation counsel starting June 2 until the position is filled.