In the complex legal landscape surrounding former United States President Donald Trump, one name has emerged as a steadfast defender and strategic legal mind: Alina Saad Habba.
At 39, Ms. Habba has become a central figure in some of the former president’s most challenging and personally dangerous cases.
Born to Chaldean Catholic parents who fled persecution in Iraq in the early 1980s, Alina Saad Habba’s journey from New Jersey native to Managing Partner of Habba, Madaio & Associates LLP has been marked by resilience, determination and commitment to justice.
After graduating from college, Ms. Habba ventured into the fashion industry and made a splash at Marc Jacobs, one of America’s most important brands. However, driven by a passion for the law, she returned to college and received her law degree from Widener University in Pennsylvania in 2010.
Ms. Habba’s legal career began with an internship with then New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Eugene Codey Jr., after which she entered private practice, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience. In 2020, she took a bold step and founded her own firm: Habba, Madaio & Associates LLP.
Enter Donald Trump. In 2021, Alina Saad Habba’s trajectory took an unprecedented turn when she joined Donald Trump’s legal team.
The former president, who faced legal challenges in the wake of the 2020 elections, chose Ms. Habba for her legal acumen and tenacity. The meeting reportedly took place at Trump’s country club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the same location where Ms. Habba’s law firm is located.
Since joining Trump’s legal team, Ms. Habba has become more than just a lawyer; she has emerged as the ex-president’s most outspoken defender. Her work led to the dismissal of the sexual assault lawsuit filed by student participant Summer Zervos, which drew praise from Trump himself.
Notably, Alina Saad Habba represented Trump in a $100 million lawsuit against the New York Times and his niece Mary Trump. She is currently defending him in a civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general involving allegations against Trump and his children.
In a legal landscape characterized by complexity and intensity, Alina Saad Habba stands as a beacon of legal prowess and resilience. Her journey from a relatively small law firm to the forefront of high-profile cases reflects not only her legal acumen, but also her commitment to justice and the principles of the American legal system.