Mayor Eric Adams has appointed Allison Stoddart as City Hall chief counsel, effective immediately.

Stoddart, who has been serving as chief of staff in the Office of the Chief Counsel since the beginning of the Adams administration, steps into this pivotal role with a strong track record of legal leadership and public service.

“It is my honor to announce Allison Stoddart as City Hall’s next chief counsel, where she will serve New Yorkers every day,” Mayor Adams stated.

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“Allison has been part of our administration since day one, and during this time, has become an integral part of the legal team at City Hall. In her tenure, she’s helped bring private sector expertise to the public sector through the Legal Fellows Program, advocated for better benefits for city employees by expanding paid parental and family leave, and helped the city get sheds down. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead this office at this time, and that her intelligence and drive to serve everyday New Yorkers will benefit our entire city.”

Stoddart’s leadership has been characterized by her commitment to enhancing legal services within the city. Notably, she spearheaded the New York City Legal Fellows Program, an initiative aimed at allowing junior attorneys from law firms to contribute to city agencies through one-year appointments. Her collaborative efforts with City Hall policymakers have also addressed critical issues such as the expansion of paid parental leave and the removal of unnecessary sidewalk construction structures.

“I’ve always believed that the law and public service go hand-in-hand, and serving in the Office of the Chief Counsel to the mayor and City Hall has been a defining privilege of my career,” remarked Stoddart. “I’ve been proud to serve as a chief of staff, and now, as chief counsel, to serve New York City. In this role, I will continue to collaborate with the many committed public servants who work so hard every day to shape the future of our city. I look forward to continuing to work closely with newly-nominated Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant and the other members of the Law Department.”

The appointment has received widespread support from various city officials, highlighting Stoddart’s proven capabilities. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright stated, “During her tenure as chief of staff, Allison Stoddart has consistently used the power of the law to advance the needs of everyday New Yorkers. With her proven experience and expertise, Allison is ready to serve New Yorkers as chief counsel.”

City Hall Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack praised her integrity, saying, “In her time at City Hall, Allison has continuously demonstrated to be a person of the utmost integrity and an exceptional attorney. Bringing an impressive understanding of city government, Allison’s appointment will ensure the seamless continuity and transition of the chief counsel team.”

Others echoed similar sentiments about her leadership. Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar noted, “I’ve been able to see firsthand the strong work ethic, respect for the law, and integrity that Allison Stoddart brings to her work in city government. A proven leader, Allison has stepped up time and time again to deliver for New Yorkers.”

Stoddart’s new role will involve overseeing ten city agencies, including the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, the Office of Labor Relations, and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, among others. Her extensive experience includes prior roles at WilmerHale, where she represented clients in complex litigation and regulatory matters, and serving as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

As Stoddart takes on this new challenge, the city anticipates her leadership will further strengthen the legal framework supporting New York City, ensuring that the rights and needs of its 8.3 million residents remain a top priority.

Allison Stoddart is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Boston College Law School, and her dedication to public service continues to shine through in her work.