Experts say Letitia James will turn to Democratic fund for $10M legal defence

ALBANY, NEW YORK: New York Attorney General Letitia James will not rely on taxpayers to foot her legal bills as she faces federal charges, she announced Friday, October 3.

Instead, James has chosen to lean on the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) to cover what experts estimate could reach $5 million to $10 million in legal defense costs.

James, long a political lightning rod for her investigations into former President Donald Trump, was indicted Thursday on mortgage fraud charges. She is expected to make her first court appearance in Virginia on October 24, maintaining her innocence and calling the charges a “politically motivated” attack.

Experts estimate Letitia James’ defense could cost up to $10 million

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said James’s defense could easily reach eight figures. “I think all in, it’s probably going to be in the range of $5 to $10 million,” Rahmani told The New York Post.

James reportedly hired Abbe Lowell, a high-profile Washington defense lawyer known for representing political heavyweights. Lowell’s fees are expected to exceed $1,000 per hour, with a $1 million retainer, sources said.

Some legal experts believe James may attract pro-bono representation given the high-profile nature of her case. “I think a lot of amazing attorneys would be happy to step up and do this for free,” said former prosecutor Duncan Levin.

Letitia James opts out of taxpayer-funded legal defense pool

James’s office confirmed she would not draw from the $10 million legal defense fund set aside by Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers earlier this year.

Initially, James suggested she might use the taxpayer-backed fund but later backtracked after public scrutiny. The state comptroller’s office verified that none of the funds had been used.

Republican legislators previously criticized the creation of the fund, which was added to the state budget by Democratic leaders. Critics argued it allowed political allies to shield themselves at taxpayer expense.

DAGA steps in to bankroll Letitia James’ legal fight

Instead of state resources, James is working with DAGA, a well-funded national group supporting Democratic AGs across the country.

DAGA recently launched its own legal defense fund, which James is now tapping. Donations, the fund’s website notes, “will be used at DAGA’s sole discretion to support programs and activities related to legal efforts that promote democracy.”

Transparency questions remain. The site does not clearly state donors or how much money is allocated to James’s case. The Post noted that DAGA’s legal fund is not a separate entity, meaning donations could blend with general contributions from corporations and political donors.

DAGA did not respond to The Post’s requests for comment.

Facing court and political fallout

James, who earns $220,000 annually as New York’s top law enforcement official, also disclosed income from an adjunct teaching role at Columbia University and rental income from her Brooklyn property.

As she prepares for re-election next year, James’s legal troubles pose a significant challenge to her political ambitions. Over the summer, she supported Governor Hochul’s re-election campaign, quashing speculation about another gubernatorial run.

Despite the looming court battle and political scrutiny, James denied wrongdoing, insisting the charges are “baseless” and politically motivated.