Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Mamdani Appoints Controversial Lawyer Ramzi Kassem as Chief Counsel
Zohran Mamdani, who will be the next mayor of New York City, has chosen two lawyers to help him with legal matters.
One of them, Ramzi Kassem, has a lot of experience in law and has helped people in difficult situations.
He has also defended people who have been accused of serious crimes, like someone linked to a terrorist attack.
The other lawyer, Steven Banks, has worked for many years to help people who are homeless and to make sure laws are fair.
Some people are surprised by these choices because of the controversial cases Kassem has worked on, but Mamdani believes they will do a good job.
Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Mayor-elect, has appointed Ramzi Kassem as the city’s chief counsel and Steven Banks as corporation counsel.
Kassem has a history of defending high-profile clients, including Ahmed al-Darbi, who was linked to an al-Qaeda attack, and Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel activist.
Kassem previously served as a senior policy advisor for immigration on the White House Domestic Policy Council under former President Joe Biden.
Banks has 40 years of legal experience and previously served as homeless services director under Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Mamdani praised both appointments for their commitment to defending working people and ensuring justice in the city.
- Who
- Ramzi Kassem, a lawyer with a history of defending controversial clients, and Steven Banks, a social justice attorney.
- What
- Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Mayor-elect, has appointed Kassem as chief counsel and Banks as corporation counsel.
- When
- The appointments were announced on Tuesday, with Mamdani set to take office on January 1, 2026.
- Where
- New York City.
- Why
- Mamdani praised the appointments for their commitment to defending working people and ensuring justice in the city.
- Appointment Date
- January 1, 2026
- Ramzi Kassem's Previous Role
- Senior Policy Advisor for Immigration, White House Domestic Policy Council
- Ahmed al-Darbi's Conviction
- 2017
- Mahmoud Khalil's Arrest
- 2025
- CLEAR Clinic Focus
- Supporting Muslim and targeted communities in New York
- Steven Banks' Experience
- 40 years as a public interest social justice attorney
- Banks' Previous Role
- Homeless Services Director under Mayor Bill de Blasio
