Alina Habba, a prominent American lawyer and managing partner of Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, has gained significant attention as Donald Trump's legal spokesperson and defender since 2021. As reported by ABC News, Habba's rise from private practice in New Jersey to becoming a key figure in Trump's legal team has been marked by her passionate advocacy and controversial statements both in and out of the courtroom.
Alina Habba's journey to becoming one of Donald Trump's prominent attorneys began with her education at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, from which she graduated in 201112. After a brief stint in the fashion industry at Marc Jacobs, Habba pursued a legal career, starting with a clerkship for New Jersey Superior Court Judge Eugene Codey Jr2.
In 2020, Habba founded her own practice, Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, focusing on civil and commercial litigation2. Her connection to Trump reportedly stemmed from her membership at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey2. This acquaintance led to her representing Trump in a $100 million lawsuit against the New York Times and his niece, Mary Trump, marking the beginning of her high-profile association with the former president23.
Alina Habba has taken on several high-profile cases for Donald Trump, with mixed results. In the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, Habba served as lead attorney but faced significant challenges. The trial resulted in an $83.3 million damages award against Trump, and Habba received multiple reprimands from Judge Lewis Kaplan for violating courtroom procedures12.
Habba also filed a $100 million lawsuit against The New York Times and Mary Trump on Trump's behalf, alleging they had improperly obtained and used his tax records. However, this case was dismissed by the court3. Despite these setbacks, Habba has remained a vocal defender of Trump, often appearing in media to criticize his opponents and challenge legal actions against him14. Her aggressive style and unwavering loyalty have made her a controversial figure in legal circles, but she continues to play a central role in Trump's legal strategy.
Alina Habba's legal career has been marked by controversy, particularly in her representation of Donald Trump. In the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, Judge Lewis Kaplan repeatedly reprimanded Habba for violating courtroom procedures and rules of evidence1. Her aggressive style and frequent clashes with judges have drawn criticism from legal experts, who argue that her conduct could potentially harm her client's interests2.
Habba was also embroiled in a contentious case involving a former Trump golf club employee. The employee alleged that she was coerced into signing an illegal non-disclosure agreement, and Habba faced accusations of ethical violations in her handling of the case3. The matter was ultimately settled out of court, but it raised questions about Habba's legal strategies and adherence to professional ethics45. These incidents have contributed to ongoing scrutiny of Habba's approach to high-profile litigation and her role in Trump's legal team.
Alina Habba's legal career has been marked by a rapid ascent and high-profile cases. After graduating from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010, she clerked for Judge Eugene J. Codey Jr. in New Jersey1. Habba then entered private practice, eventually founding her own firm, Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, in 202012.
Key aspects of Habba's career include:
Representing Donald Trump in various legal matters since 2021, including the $250 million real estate fraud case in New York3
Serving as lead counsel in notable cases, such as a federal class action against a New Jersey nursing home14
Licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and several federal courts1
Recognized on the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List from 2016 to 20221
Faced controversy and sanctions in some cases, including a $938,000 penalty in a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others4