Court Mandates Payment for Legal Services
Former New York City Mayor and personal lawyer to Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, has been ordered by a Manhattan judge to pay $1.36 million in outstanding legal fees. The ruling, issued on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, by Judge Arthur Engoron of the New York County Supreme Court, mandates Giuliani to compensate his former legal counsel, Robert Costello and the law firm Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP. With accrued interest, the total amount owed approaches nearly $1.6 million, in addition to lawyer costs incurred by the firm to recover the unpaid fees.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal fees in question cover services rendered by Costello and Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP between November 2019 and July 2023. These services were primarily related to various investigations concerning Giuliani's efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. The firm filed a lawsuit against Giuliani in 2023, asserting that he had only paid $214,000 of nearly $1.6 million in legal expenses. Giuliani's defense, claiming he never received bills for the legal services, was rejected by Judge Engoron.
Scope of Legal Representation
The legal work performed by Costello and Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP encompassed a range of high-profile matters, including:
- Representation in the congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
- Involvement in an investigation concerning Giuliani's business and political activities in Ukraine.
- Coordination of Giuliani's defense in other civil lawsuits and attorney disciplinary proceedings.
Giuliani's Response and Broader Legal Challenges
Following the ruling, Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, indicated that an appeal would be filed. Goodman characterized the decision as 'partisan political,' questioning Judge Engoron's involvement in the case. This order marks another significant financial setback for Giuliani. He has previously faced numerous legal and financial difficulties, including filing for bankruptcy and being ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, whom he defamed with false claims of election fraud. Furthermore, Giuliani has been disbarred in both New York and Washington for repeatedly making false statements regarding the 2020 election and faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to efforts to overturn the election results.
7 Comments
BuggaBoom
On one hand, ignoring bills is unacceptable and he should pay what he owes. On the other hand, the constant barrage of lawsuits and financial penalties against him is starting to look excessive.
Loubianka
While it's important to pay for legal services, the timing and context of these rulings against Giuliani do raise questions about potential political motivations.
Bermudez
Good. Another consequence for his actions.
Raphael
Paying legal fees is standard practice, but his team's claim of not receiving bills should have been more thoroughly investigated. There's always two sides to these disputes.
Donatello
The legal system is clearly stacked against him.
BuggaBoom
About time he faced financial accountability.
Katchuka
Sounds like a politically motivated hit job.