A collection of former high-ranking city officials, including the woman who spearheaded the investigation that led to ex-Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment, emphasized the importance of dedicated public service as they were honored Wednesday with the New York Law School’s Civic Fame Award.
Former Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant, former City Council Member and Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodinick, former Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross and former city Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber, who led the investigation that spurred Adams’ federal indictment, all called the award, which recognizes excellence in public service, an honor.
According to Strauber, hat’s important while in a public service position is staying true to the mission of the role, regardless of what’s going on outside of it. A former federal prosecutor, she continued her investigation into Adams’ conduct forcefully, even though he had initially appointed her to the role.
“During the last administration, the city faced unprecedented corruption at senior levels of government,” Strauber said. “DOI followed the facts rigorously and objectively no matter the target, worked closely with our prosecutorial partners to investigate and bring criminal charges where warranted and to recommend critical policy and procedural reforms.”
Even though the indictment her investigation resulted in was ultimately dismissed, that didn’t diminish its importance, said New York Law School Programs Director Ben Max, who introduced Strauber, referencing a conversation he’d had with her weeks after its dismissal.
“She spoke to the department’s work being full of integrity, and that the case being dismissed was not about the merits of the work,” said Max, also a longtime city reporter. “She stood by all of the investigative work and continued to be a champion for simply doing the work that you’re hired to do and carrying out the duties of this historic and essential part of city government.”
Goode-Trufant, who held every leadership position possible at the Law Department during her 34 years of service there, emphasized the value of doing the right thing to serve the city and the rule of law, even when it’s taxing and time-consuming.
“I believe the Law Department’s objective has been and remains the true administration of justice,” Goode-Trufant said. “Upholding the rule of law is not without risk, and it often is not the most expedient thing to do, yet it is necessary work for the true administration of justice at the Law Department.”
“That necessary work occurs notwithstanding fiscal crises in the midst of natural disasters, in response to terrorist attacks, despite global pandemics, and in support of the operation of every aspect of the government of the city of New York,” she continued. “The true administration of justice continues to require that lawyers working in public service keep truth, fairness and the common good foremost in their considerations.”
New York Law School Dean and President Anthony Crowell, who helped moderate the event, said honoring those who carried out public service with integrity is more important than ever as the rule of law is tested, public confidence in institutions and leadership has declined and politics has become increasingly polarizing.
“Our four honorees have demonstrated all the best qualities we would want in our public service: leadership, courage, commitment, innovation and lasting impact,” Crowell said.
“They have led during a variety of crises, through which, while deeply challenging and disruptive, also demonstrated why public service lawyering is the highest calling in our profession,” Crowell continued. “Regardless of events outside their control, they provided stability, maturity and clear vision for agencies and their staff, and as a result, have made a real difference in the lives of all New Yorkers.”
