{"blocks":[{"alt":"Investigative Legal Maggie Gandy","caption":"Investigative Legal Maggie Gandy","height":420,"html":"","media_id":"637","text":"","type":"image"},{"alt":"","caption":"","height":"720","html":"\n
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\nLucyCraig.blog | Investigations | Cornell Seven\n
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\nMAGGIE GANDY:\nWHO IS THE LAWYER REPORTEDLY BEING CONSIDERED FOR LETITIA JAMES'S CORNELL INVESTIGATION?\n

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\nA former federal prosecutor, a private practice built partly around sexual-misconduct investigations, and serious unanswered questions about the independence, authority, and cost of any outside-counsel appointment.\n

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\nOctober 25, 2026 | Special Report | LucyCraig.blog Editorial Investigation\n
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\nNew York Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly looking outside her office for legal assistance with the controversial Cornell Seven investigation. Among the names reportedly under consideration is Margaret \"Maggie\" Gandy, a former federal prosecutor who now practices at Corva Law LLP.\n

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\nThe possibility raises an obvious question: after James's impartiality became the subject of litigation, would bringing in outside counsel provide genuine prosecutorial independence, or merely add a privately compensated lawyer to an investigation that James continues to control?\n

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\nTHE CENTRAL QUESTION: If Letitia James retains ultimate authority over the Cornell investigation, what exactly would be independent about the lawyer she selects, supervises, and potentially pays with public funds?\n

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\nGandy's prosecutorial credentials are substantial. Her background also includes representing individuals, families, and institutions in matters involving sexual misconduct, Title IX, and sensitive investigations.\n

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\nThat makes her professional history directly relevant to the proposed assignment. It does not, by itself, establish either a conflict or a predisposition against any of the accused.\n

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\nWhat the public deserves is a clear account of the selection process, the proposed lawyer's relationships with interested parties, the scope of delegated authority, and who will ultimately decide whether criminal charges are justified.\n

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\n01 / THE REPORTED SELECTION\n

First, Has Maggie Gandy Actually Been Hired?

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\nOn October 24, 2026, the New York Post reported that Letitia James was interviewing former federal prosecutors in connection with the Cornell Seven investigation.\n

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\nThe report identified Maggie Gandy as one of the possible candidates, citing unnamed sources familiar with the discussions.\n

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\nBut the reporting contained an important qualification.\n

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\nJames's spokesperson, Alexis Richards, disputed knowledge of Gandy's candidacy and cautioned against publishing her name in connection with the selection.\n

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\nAccordingly, a distinction must be maintained between an attorney reportedly being considered and an attorney actually retained.\n

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\nAs of this publication, we have not established that Gandy has signed a contract, accepted an appointment, received public funds, or exercised investigative authority in the Cornell matter.\n

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\nSource:\n\nNew York Post, October 24, 2026\n.\n

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\n02 / THE LAWYER\n

Who Is Margaret \"Maggie\" Gandy?

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Professional Profile

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Name: Margaret \"Maggie\" Gandy

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Firm: Corva Law LLP

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Former federal position: Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York

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Former leadership position: Deputy Chief, Organized Crime and Gangs Section

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Previous employment: Manhattan District Attorney's Office

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Practice areas: Criminal litigation, internal investigations, civil rights, sexual-misconduct matters, and Title IX.

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\nGandy is not a newcomer to high-stakes criminal litigation.\n

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\nHer federal prosecutorial background includes organized crime, gang-related violence, narcotics trafficking, racketeering, and public corruption.\n

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\nBefore federal service, she worked in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office investigating serious criminal matters.\n

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\nHer experience includes involvement in complex cases requiring coordination with law enforcement, examination of witness testimony, and interpretation of substantial investigative records.\n

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\nAny serious assessment of Gandy should acknowledge those credentials.\n

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\nBut prior experience in federal prosecution does not independently establish that an attorney is free from potential conflicts in a new investigation. Nor does it answer whether an outside-counsel engagement would provide meaningful separation from the official commissioning the work.\n

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\n03 / THE PROSECUTION RECORD\n

Her Federal Cases Deserve a Closer Look

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\nGandy's name appears in publicly reported federal prosecutions involving serious criminal offenses.\n

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Federal casePublicly documented involvementRelevance
United States v. Tyriek HankinsProsecution involving narcotics trafficking and related organized criminal activity.Experience in multi-defendant criminal investigations.
United States v. Nicholas WashingtonFederal prosecution involving gang-related homicide.Experience with serious criminal charges, witnesses, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States v. Scott BrettschneiderProsecution concerning corruption and false statements.Experience addressing alleged wrongdoing involving legal and institutional actors.
United States v. Shane BrowneParticipation in federal criminal proceedings and related litigation.Opportunity to examine her handling of contested proceedings and legal arguments.
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\nThese proceedings demonstrate experience. They do not establish misconduct.\n

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\nWe have not identified a substantiated disciplinary finding, a judicial ruling establishing prosecutorial misconduct by Gandy, or a proven history of withholding exculpatory evidence.\n

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\nIt would be irresponsible to invent such allegations merely because a lawyer is being considered for a controversial investigation.\n

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\nThe legitimate subject of scrutiny is how her documented professional record intersects with the proposed Cornell assignment.\n

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\n04 / TITLE IX AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT\n

The Part of Gandy's Background Most Relevant to Cornell

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\nGandy's private practice is particularly notable because it involves the same general subject matter at the center of the Cornell dispute: allegations of sexual misconduct in educational environments.\n

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\nHer professional biography describes work involving students, educational institutions, sensitive investigations, and Title IX proceedings.\n

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\nShe has also participated in professional discussions concerning Title IX and institutional responses to sexual-misconduct allegations.\n

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\nIn February 2024, she was listed as a speaker at a National Business Officers Association event addressing the implications of Title IX for independent schools.\n

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\nHer experience therefore extends beyond traditional criminal prosecution into institutional procedures, compliance questions, and disputes over alleged sexual misconduct.\n

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Representation of institutions versus individuals

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\nEducational institutions, accused individuals, complainants, and witnesses can have sharply different interests during sexual-misconduct investigations.\n

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\nA lawyer experienced in representing participants across these settings may bring valuable expertise. But any proposed appointment should be preceded by careful screening for existing or former client relationships.\n

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\nHas Gandy, Alcalaw, Corva Law, or another lawyer at either firm previously represented or advised Cornell University, a Cornell-affiliated organization, any of the seven accused men, the complainant, or another participant in this investigation?\n
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\nNo such relationship has been established by the public evidence examined for this report.\n

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\nNevertheless, confidential attorney-client relationships may not appear in public databases. A meaningful conflicts process would need to consider substantially related representations and access to confidential information.\n

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\nProfessional background:\nCorva Law biography.\n

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\nTitle IX presentation:\nNBOA 2024 speaker record.\n

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\n05 / A COMPLICATING DETAIL\n

Gandy Has Publicly Discussed the Importance of Consent and Provable Criminal Elements

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\nThere is another part of Gandy's public record that should not be ignored.\n

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\nIn December 2024, Politico quoted her discussing prosecutorial decisions concerning sex-trafficking allegations.\n

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\nHer analysis addressed the legal difficulties of establishing federal criminal offenses where the evidence does not support required elements such as coercion.\n

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\nThat observation is relevant to any criminal inquiry in which the distinction between an accusation and an independently provable offense becomes central.\n

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\nAn allegation does not eliminate the state's obligation to identify an applicable criminal statute and establish its required elements with admissible evidence.\n

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\nIn the Cornell matter, legal analysis must address the applicable New York offenses, the evidence regarding capacity to consent, and the separately attributable actions of each accused individual.\n

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\nFederal sex-trafficking law is not interchangeable with New York sexual-assault law. Nevertheless, Gandy's public comments demonstrate familiarity with the necessity of evaluating the actual statutory elements rather than simply relying on the seriousness of an accusation.\n

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\nThat is a noteworthy aspect of her background for anyone concerned with fair treatment of both complainants and defendants.\n

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\nSource:\nPolitico, December 23, 2024.\n

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\n06 / THE FIRM\n

Corva Law, Liz Geddes, and the Importance of Firm-Wide Conflict Screening

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\nGandy practices at Corva Law LLP with former federal prosecutor Elizabeth \"Liz\" Geddes.\n

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\nGeddes is particularly well known for leading the federal prosecution of R. Kelly.\n

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\nThe two lawyers' professional histories overlap through federal prosecutorial service in the Eastern District of New York.\n

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\nA proper conflict review would not stop with Gandy individually.\n

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\nIt should address the firm's current and former representations, relevant confidential information, institutional relationships, and any lawyers who might participate in the Cornell matter.\n

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\nThe question is not whether Geddes or Gandy previously prosecuted prominent defendants. That alone is no evidence of favoritism.\n

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\nThe issue is whether the firm has relationships that should be disclosed or evaluated before taking on a sensitive government engagement.\n

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\n07 / THE ATTORNEY GENERAL\n

The Letitia James Problem Cannot Be Solved Merely by Hiring Another Lawyer

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\nThe controversy surrounding the proposed outside-counsel arrangement begins with the Attorney General's own role.\n

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\nJames publicly expressed sympathy for the Cornell complainant before receiving a special-prosecutor appointment from Governor Kathy Hochul on October 1, 2026.\n

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\nDefense lawyers subsequently challenged James's appointment, raising questions concerning her public remarks and the appearance or existence of prosecutorial prejudgment.\n

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\nJames's office has disputed those objections.\n

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\nWhether those challenges warrant disqualification is a matter for judicial determination. Public expressions of sympathy, standing alone, do not necessarily establish a legal basis for removing a prosecutor.\n

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\nBut the controversy supplies a compelling reason to examine precisely what authority would be given to any outside lawyer.\n

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\nHiring an outside attorney is not the same thing as appointing an independent prosecutor.\n
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\nThose arrangements may differ substantially in legal authority, supervision, investigative discretion, and ultimate responsibility.\n

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Who makes the final decision?

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\nIf Gandy were retained, could she independently decide that the evidence does not justify prosecution?\n

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\nCould she direct investigators to pursue leads that undermine the allegations?\n

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\nCould she recommend closure of the investigation without approval from James?\n

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\nWould she have the authority to determine which, if any, defendants should face charges?\n

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\nOr would she serve as a legal adviser whose work remains subject to the Attorney General's supervision and final decision?\n

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\nThose are not semantic distinctions. They go to the heart of the proposed arrangement.\n

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\nAn experienced adviser may provide useful professional judgment even while working under supervision. But the public should not confuse that role with genuinely independent charging authority.\n

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\nRelated coverage:\n\nCBS New York, October 23, 2026\n.\n

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\n08 / FOLLOW THE PUBLIC MONEY\n

How Much Would New Yorkers Pay for Outside Counsel?

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\nAnother important question concerns the compensation of any privately retained attorney or law firm.\n

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\nOutside legal services can involve hourly billing, designated staffing arrangements, expense reimbursement, and substantial commitments of taxpayer funds.\n

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\nThe New York Post has cited the multimillion-dollar outside-counsel costs associated with the 2021 investigation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.\n

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\nThat historical expenditure does not establish what the Cornell investigation will cost.\n

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\nNo verified engagement agreement, billing rate, or payment to Gandy in this matter has been established.\n

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\nHowever, any retention of private lawyers by the Attorney General's office should invite questions about contracting procedures and public accountability.\n

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Records Worth Making Public

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  • The selection criteria used to identify potential outside counsel.
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  • The final engagement letter and scope of representation.
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  • The identity of the contracting firm and participating lawyers.
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  • Hourly rates, expense terms, spending caps, and billing procedures.
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  • Required conflicts checks and any disclosed relationships, subject to legitimate confidentiality protections.
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  • The legal authority delegated to outside counsel.
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  • Whether the Attorney General retains the authority to accept, reject, or modify recommendations.
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  • Actual payments made under the contract.
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\nSome records may be available through New York's Freedom of Information Law, while others may be protected by applicable statutory exemptions, attorney-client privilege, investigative confidentiality, or privacy requirements.\n

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\nThe public interest lies in understanding the government contract and its oversight, not in exposing protected investigative material or private personal information.\n

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\n09 / THE RELATIONSHIP QUESTION\n

Is There a Political or Financial Connection Between Gandy and James?

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\nA central question in any outside-counsel selection is whether the candidate has professional, financial, or political relationships with the official directing the appointment.\n

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\nRelevant inquiries could include campaign-finance records, government legal-services contracts, previous professional engagements, and disclosed conflicts of interest.\n

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\nBut there is an important evidentiary boundary.\n

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\nAt present, this investigation has not established that Gandy received a Cornell-related payment, was promised an appointment in exchange for political support, or has a financial relationship with James that compromises her professional independence.\n

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\nNor has a relevant disciplinary finding or improper political arrangement been verified.\n

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\nThose matters must be established with records, not insinuation.\n

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\nEven the existence of a documented professional relationship would not automatically establish wrongdoing. The circumstances, legal obligations, and nature of that relationship would determine its significance.\n

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Why the selection process still matters

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\nA public official facing questions about impartiality may have legitimate reasons to seek advice from experienced outside counsel.\n

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\nBut a credible selection process should be capable of demonstrating why a particular attorney was chosen, how conflicts were evaluated, and what independence the resulting arrangement actually provides.\n

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\n10 / QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS\n

Ten Questions for Letitia James, Maggie Gandy, and Corva Law

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  1. \nHas Margaret Gandy actually been considered, interviewed, or offered the Cornell assignment? If so, when?\n
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  2. \nWhat selection process is being used? Were multiple candidates evaluated against written criteria?\n
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  3. \nHas Gandy or Corva Law ever represented Cornell University, Cornell-affiliated organizations, or parties and witnesses connected to this case?\n
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  4. \nWhat prior professional or financial relationships, if any, exist between Gandy, her firm, and the officials responsible for the selection?\n
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  5. \nWhat would the legal engagement cost? Would payments be hourly, fixed-fee, or subject to a spending cap?\n
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  6. \nWould Gandy independently review the underlying investigative evidence? Including potentially exculpatory materials and evidence challenging the allegations?\n
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  7. \nWould outside counsel have independent charging authority, or would James retain control?\n
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  8. \nCould Gandy recommend that no charges be filed without that recommendation being overridden or altered by the Attorney General?\n
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  9. \nWould the terms of the appointment and any final recommendations be disclosed to the extent legally permissible?\n
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  10. \nHow would the proposed arrangement address the concerns raised in the pending challenges to James's appointment?\n
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\n11 / THE BROADER PRINCIPLE\n

Seven Accused Men, One Criminal Investigation, and a Prosecutor's Duty to Remain Impartial

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\nThe public controversy surrounding the Cornell Seven has attracted attention not simply because the allegations are serious, but because the investigation implicates basic principles of criminal justice.\n

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\nThe complainant is entitled to a lawful, thorough investigation. The accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence and the procedural protections supplied by law.\n

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\nNeither side's rights disappear because an allegation attracts political attention, media coverage, or public outrage.\n

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\nA prosecutor's duty is not to validate a predetermined narrative. It is to apply the law fairly, evaluate inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, and make decisions consistent with the legal standards governing criminal charges.\n

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\nThose principles apply whether the investigation is conducted by James personally, a member of her office, or privately retained outside counsel.\n

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\nAn additional lawyer does not automatically produce independence. Conversely, an outside lawyer's participation should not automatically be dismissed as illegitimate simply because the Attorney General sought assistance.\n

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\nThe decisive questions involve legal authority, actual supervision, professional conflicts, and whether the evidence is evaluated without an improper predetermined outcome.\n

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THE BOTTOM LINE

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\nMargaret \"Maggie\" Gandy has an extensive prosecutorial background and substantial experience handling sexual-misconduct disputes.\n

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\nHer professional history makes her a relevant subject of examination if she is being considered for the Cornell investigation.\n

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\nWhat has not been established is that she has accepted an appointment, possesses a disqualifying conflict, has engaged in misconduct, or has received Cornell-related compensation.\n

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\nThe deeper issue is structural:\n

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\nWould New York be obtaining an independent prosecutorial judgment, or paying an outside attorney to advise an Attorney General whose own appointment and public comments are already being challenged?\n

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\nThat question cannot be answered by issuing a press release or invoking the credentials of a former federal prosecutor.\n

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\nIt requires disclosure of the appointment's terms, an appropriate conflict review, clarity regarding decision-making authority, and accountability for public expenditures.\n

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\nUntil then, the public has good reason to ask who would truly control the Cornell investigation.\n

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Sources and Public Records

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  1. \nNew York Post, October 24, 2026.\nReporting on possible outside counsel for the Cornell Seven investigation.\n\nRead original report\n.\n
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  2. \nCorva Law LLP.\nMargaret Gandy professional biography and practice descriptions.\n\nAttorney profile\n.\n
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  3. \nNational Business Officers Association, 2024.\nSpeaker record concerning Title IX in independent schools.\n\nConference record\n.\n
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  4. \nPolitico, December 23, 2024.\nReporting including Gandy's discussion of criminal charging standards and sex-trafficking allegations.\n\nRead article\n.\n
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  5. \nCBS New York, October 23, 2026.\nCoverage of the litigation over the Attorney General's Cornell appointment.\n\nRead coverage\n.\n
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  6. \nU.S. Department of Justice.\nEastern District of New York public prosecution announcements and federal criminal-case records.\n\nEDNY public records\n.\n
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  7. \nNew York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.\nPublic ethics and disclosure information.\n\nOfficial site\n.\n
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  8. \nNew York State Board of Elections.\nPublic campaign-finance records for further review of possible political contributions.\n\nPublic reporting database\n.\n
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\nEditorial disclosure: This article examines a reported potential outside-counsel selection. The reporting cited does not confirm Maggie Gandy's retention or establish misconduct by Gandy, Corva Law, or any other lawyer identified here. Questions concerning undisclosed professional relationships and contract terms remain questions unless supported by further records. Criminal allegations involving the Cornell defendants remain allegations unless proved in court. The discussion of conflicts and independent prosecutorial authority is legal and editorial analysis, not a judicial finding.\n

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LUCYCRAIG.BLOG
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