New York Attorney General Letitia James has hired a major law firm to manage federal subpoenas amid two ongoing investigations. The move signals heightened legal defenses as she faces scrutiny from federal authorities in Albany.
James brought on Munger, Tolles Olson LLP, to respond to the subpoenas, according to the state comptroller’s office. A spokesperson said details about the cost of the legal work were not immediately available.
The legal team includes experienced lawyers such as Martin Estrada, former U.S. attorney for Southern California, firm chair Brad Brian, and co-managing partner Hailyn Chen. This hiring follows James’ retention of personal attorney Abbe Lowell to represent her in a separate federal inquiry concerning alleged mortgage fraud.
The Albany-based investigation seeks records connected to James’ actions against the National Rifle Association and a civil fraud lawsuit she filed against former President Donald Trump. James confirmed last month that her office received the subpoenas but declined to provide specifics, emphasizing that she continues to perform her duties as attorney general.
“All I can say is that each and every day I walk into the office of the attorney general, I do my job,” James said in August. She added that claims of political retaliation have been rejected in court.
Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, who oversees the Albany probe, declined to comment. Sarcone, who became the top federal prosecutor in Albany this year, previously sought the Republican nomination to run against James in 2022.
Republicans have long criticized James for targeting conservatives. Her investigation into the NRA focused on allegations of misused funds by former executives of the nonprofit, which was registered as a charity in New York.
Separately, Trump was fined $355 million in 2024 for inflating his property values to secure favorable loans, though a mid-level appeals court recently overturned the penalty. James’ office has appealed that ruling to the New York Court of Appeals.
U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, described the Albany investigation as a “vital step toward justice.” She said James must meet the same standard of accountability she has demanded of others.
Another federal inquiry involves James’ property declarations in Brooklyn and Virginia. Documents show that special federal prosecutor Ed Martin Jr. is handling the case following a referral from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The agency claims James falsely stated her intent to occupy a Virginia home she purchased with her niece and misstated the number of units in a Brooklyn property. FHFA says these errors helped James secure favorable loan terms.
James has dismissed these allegations, calling them “baseless” and “nothing more than a revenge tour.” Martin recently visited her Brooklyn residence, sparking a letter of support from Democratic attorneys general nationwide. The letter criticized the Department of Justice’s actions as politically motivated rather than grounded in legitimate concerns.
New York state law allows legal expenses for state employees if investigations are related to their official duties. The mortgage case handled by Lowell is expected to be covered by a $10 million special appropriation in the state budget, meant for employees facing investigations that could be seen as retaliatory. The comptroller’s office confirmed that no funds have yet been spent on either probe.
James’ legal strategy reflects her determination to confront federal scrutiny while continuing her duties. With top attorneys now involved, her office is preparing for what could be prolonged legal battles as both federal inquiries continue.
