Rudolph W. Giuliani, currently facing a criminal indictment and potential disbarment due to his attempts to maintain Donald J. Trump’s presidency post-2020 election, now confronts a lawsuit from his legal representative.
Robert J. Costello, who had been spearheading Giuliani’s defense amid his numerous legal challenges, joined a lawsuit from his firm on Monday to reclaim over $1.3 million in unpaid legal services. This move further strains Giuliani’s already precarious financial situation.
Sources reveal that Giuliani, previously New York City’s mayor, a U.S. attorney, and a celebrated lawyer, is indebted to several legal firms for nearly $3 million. Despite multiple pleas for financial aid from Trump, who had given ambiguous commitments, financial assistance has been scarce.
Much of Giuliani’s debt originates from his post-2020 election endeavors on Trump’s behalf. He accumulated these costs while confronting numerous legal confrontations and investigations highlighting his efforts to preserve Trump’s presidency despite the election outcome.
Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP’s lawsuit, which includes Costello, indicates a further descent for Giuliani and a perceived betrayal. The two have known each other for decades, with Costello having studied law under Giuliani during his time as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan. Their relationship evolved into a friendship, and in recent years, Costello has stood as Giuliani’s staunch defender against mounting legal challenges.
Giuliani has publicly expressed his dismay over the lawsuit, labeling the legal fees as excessive. In response, Costello countered that Giuliani had always been aware of the costs and only raised objections when litigation was imminent.
Costello’s firm has invoiced Giuliani for approximately $1.57 million, of which only $214,000 has been settled.
These charges date back to 2019, when investigations began regarding Giuliani’s associations in Ukraine. As Giuliani’s legal difficulties expanded, Costello managed the various legal challenges stemming from the 2020 election aftermath.
Giuliani’s efforts resulted in suspending his New York law license, with a recommendation for disbarment in Washington due to his aggressive efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. He also faces a defamation lawsuit in Georgia and a racketeering case alongside Trump.
Costello, who worked for payment, spent over two years trying to secure funds from Trump. Despite multiple meetings and assurances from Trump, substantial financial support has yet to materialize.
Once revered as “America’s mayor” post-9/11 and boasting a net worth in the tens of millions, Giuliani’s financial and reputational stature has diminished significantly, mainly due to his association with Trump and personal matters such as his divorce. Hindered by professional suspensions, Giuliani sold his Manhattan apartment for $6.5 million.
