Rudy Giuliani - the former mayor of New York City and once a prominent attorney - has been disbarred by the New York Appellate Division, First Department, effective immediately.
The decision, announced Tuesday (July 2), marks a significant legal setback for Giuliani, stemming from his role in advancing baseless claims of election fraud following the 2020 presidential election, The Hill reports.
The appellate panel's ruling emphasized that Giuliani had "flagrantly misused" his legal credentials while representing former President Donald Trump and his campaign.
According to the 31-page ruling, Giuliani intentionally made false statements to courts, lawmakers, and the public at large, aiming to bolster his narrative that widespread voter fraud had occurred during the 2020 election, leading to Trump's defeat.
The judges condemned Giuliani's actions, stating that his conduct not only violated fundamental legal principles but also exacerbated national discord following the contentious election, The Independent reports. They underscored Giuliani's lack of remorse for his role in perpetuating misinformation.
Giuliani's legal troubles escalated last year when his New York law license was initially suspended due to concerns that his actions posed a threat to the public interest and the integrity of the legal profession. This suspension now escalates to disbarment, prohibiting Giuliani from practicing law, appearing as an attorney in any capacity before courts or public authorities, or providing legal counsel in the state of New York.
The disbarment order also highlights Giuliani's involvement in legal challenges and disciplinary actions beyond New York.
Giuliani faces similar disbarment proceedings in Washington, D.C., where a disciplinary committee has recommended sanctions against him.
In addition to his disbarment, Giuliani faces criminal charges in Georgia, where authorities allege his involvement in efforts to overturn election results. There is also an existing indictment in Arizona, where he and several others were accused of scheming to overturn election results in favor of Trump.
Giuliani's recent financial woes were underscored by his bankruptcy filing in December, prompted by a $148 million defamation judgment against him, per The Hill.
The case stemmed from false accusations Giuliani made against election workers in Georgia, further complicating his legal and financial standing.
Once celebrated as "America's mayor" for his leadership during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Giuliani's legacy has since been marred by his controversial post-election activities and legal entanglements. Despite the setbacks, Giuliani has consistently denied any wrongdoing, rejecting allegations of misconduct and maintaining his innocence.
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