Jennifer Rajkumar’s Involvement in Controversial Tenant Lawsuit Raises Questions Ahead of Public Advocate Election

Jenifer Rajkumar, a candidate for the position of public advocate, recently launched a campaign on social media portraying herself as a champion of tenant rights, specifically highlighting her role in a significant 0 million lawsuit against a substantial landlord, which she claims benefitted families affected by poor living conditions. However, an examination of public records by Media News Source reveals complexities surrounding Rajkumar’s involvement in the lawsuit, including allegations of plagiarism.

The class action lawsuit, initiated in 2014, was brought forth by tenants of Gateway Plaza, a residential complex situated in Manhattan. These tenants accused their landlord of creating “uninhabitable conditions” within their residences. At the time, Rajkumar was serving as a solo practitioner and was affiliated in an “of counsel” capacity with Sanford Heisler, a law firm representing two other attorneys involved in the case. On April 1, 2014, Rajkumar, alongside her colleagues, submitted the initial complaint on behalf of the tenants.

Controversy emerged shortly after the filing when Lucas Ferrara, a partner at Newman Ferrara LLP, sought to disqualify Rajkumar and Sanford Heisler from the case, alleging Rajkumar had engaged in “gross plagiarism.” According to Ferrara’s motion, prior to the lawsuit’s submission, Rajkumar had been in discussions with his firm regarding her potential role as a plaintiff. Ferrara contended that during these conversations, his firm provided her with a draft of the lawsuit for review, which she subsequently opted to use as the base for the complaint she filed.

Despite initial intentions to participate as a plaintiff, Rajkumar sought to become co-counsel instead. Ferrara claimed that this shift raised ethical concerns given her direct stake as a tenant at Gateway Plaza. Ultimately, after negotiations, the disqualification motion was withdrawn, leading to an agreement that allowed Sanford Heisler to remain as co-counsel without Rajkumar’s name being included in the formal documentation.

Rajkumar has consistently defended her actions, asserting that her contributions to the case continued in an “of counsel” capacity following the plagiarism allegations. Her campaign maintains that she played a pivotal role in advocating for improved living conditions and better financial settlements for the tenants involved.

In the upcoming Democratic primary scheduled for June 24, Rajkumar faces incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Despite critical ads painting Williams in a negative light, her campaign has reportedly garnered more financial contributions, with Rajkumar holding approximately .4 million in funding against Williams’ roughly million.

This complex backdrop of legal controversy juxtaposed with political ambition underscores the intricacies of Rajkumar’s candidacy as she aims to leverage her past experiences in her pursuit of the public advocate role.