Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, faced the consequences of spreading falsehoods about the 2020 presidential election as he was disbarred from practicing law in New York. The New York appeals court’s decision to disbar Giuliani effectively immediately was based on his false claims regarding the integrity of the election.
Giuliani, a former top federal prosecutor in Manhattan and mayor of New York City, had been practicing law in the state since 1969. The court ordered his name to be removed from the list of attorneys and counselors-at-large in New York, prohibiting him from engaging in any legal activities. Giuliani’s suspension stemmed from allegations that he made misleading statements about widespread election fraud in 2020, continuing to spread baseless claims even after his initial suspension in June 2021.
According to a court-appointed referee, Giuliani was found guilty of 16 disciplinary charges related to his conduct surrounding the election. The appeals court upheld the referee’s findings, emphasizing the deliberate nature of Giuliani’s falsehoods and the negative impact on the country’s electoral process. Despite Giuliani’s claims of ignorance regarding the falsity of his statements, the court deemed his actions as a misuse of his position to deceive the public.
The disbarment of Giuliani marked another setback for the former mayor, who has faced legal repercussions for his post-election actions. A federal judge held him liable for defamation in Georgia, resulting in a $148 million judgment against him. Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing followed the court’s decision, adding to his legal troubles in states like Georgia and Arizona, where he is facing charges for attempting to overturn election results.
Giuliani’s disbarment serves as a significant repercussion for his role in perpetuating unfounded claims of election fraud, reflecting the serious consequences of spreading misinformation in the legal profession. The court’s decision underscores the importance of upholding integrity and truthfulness in the practice of law, especially in contentious political environments.