Rudy Giuliani just lost his job at prominent Manhattan law firm Greenberg Traurig.
A press release issued by Greenberg Traurig’s Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum reads:
When Rudy Giuliani took an unpaid leave of absence from the firm his intent was to play a limited role, for a short matter of time, to address specific matters related to President Trump. After recognizing that this work is all consuming and is lasting longer than initially anticipated, Rudy has determined it is best for him to resign from the firm, effective May 9th.
That means Giuliani was fired asked to resign yesterday.
Rosenbaum’s statement plays up the idea that Giuliani’s work on the Robert Mueller probe was expected to only last “a short matter of time.” This appears to be a retroactive endorsement of Giuliani’s initial (now false) statement that he would be able to wrap things up in “a couple of weeks.”
Giuliani himself is also quoted in the press release, noting, “On April 19th, I took a temporary leave of absence from my firm, Greenberg Traurig. In light of the pressing demands of the Mueller investigation, I believe it is in everyone’s best interest that I make it a permanent resignation.”
President Donald Trump‘s recently hired attorney continued, “This way, my sole concentration can be on this critically important matter for our country. I have had a wonderful experience at the firm and I wish the firm and its executive chairman, Richard Rosenbaum, all the very best, now and in the future. I will always treasure the personal friendships I have made with everyone at Greenberg Traurig”
Fashioned as an unforced resignation, many legal observers aren’t quite convinced that Giuliani’s newfound unemployment status was entirely his own decision. Here’s a fairly representative run-down of Twitter’s immediate reaction:
Law&Crime reached out to Greenberg Traurig for comment on this story, but no response was forthcoming at the time of publication.
[image via Drew Angerer/Getty Images]
Follow Colin Kalmbacher on Twitter: @colinkalmbacher
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