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In the ongoing defamation trial of Donald Trump, a notable and intriguing facet unfolds through the frequent clashes between the former president’s lawyer, Alina Habba, and the seasoned judge overseeing the proceedings. At the age of 39, Ms. Habba, hailing from New Jersey, has swiftly ascended from relative legal obscurity to the forefront, representing Trump in some of his most challenging legal endeavors.
Born to Chaldean Catholic parents who sought refuge from persecution in Iraq during the early 1980s, Ms. Habba’s journey took a unique trajectory. After earning her law degree from Widener University in 2010, she briefly served as a clerk for then-New Jersey Superior Court Judge Eugene Codey Jr. Subsequently, she entered private practice, accumulating experience before establishing her own law firm in 2020.
The turning point in her career came with the entry of Donald Trump into the legal equation. Joining his legal team in 2021, Ms. Habba reportedly encountered Trump at his country club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where her law firm is based. Tasked with representing Trump in some of his most high-profile legal battles, she swiftly emerged as his most vocal defender, navigating cases involving Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos, a $100 million lawsuit against the New York Times, and defense against a civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general.
However, her courtroom demeanor has not gone without criticism. Particularly in the civil lawsuit brought by E Jean Carroll, where Trump was found to have assaulted Carroll in the 1990s, Ms. Habba has engaged in frequent quarrels with Judge Lewis Kaplan. This has included admonishments for not adhering to courtroom etiquette, raising questions about her courtroom conduct.
Despite occasional courtroom challenges, Ms. Habba’s role as Trump’s legal representative continues to deepen. Beyond legal battles, she has been known to make regular appearances at Trump’s clubs in New Jersey and Florida, solidifying her presence in his inner circle. Her February birthday celebration, where she shared a photo seated beside her cake with Trump, provides a glimpse into the personal dynamics at play.
Adding another layer to her involvement, Ms. Habba holds the position of a senior advisor for MAGA Inc., the political action committee supporting Trump’s potential re-election bid. Reports indicate that she has received compensation exceeding $3.5 million for her contributions to the group, further intertwining her professional endeavors with Trump’s political aspirations.
As Ms. Habba’s role in Trump’s legal battles and political activities continues to evolve, her journey from a relatively unknown litigator to a pivotal figure in high-stakes legal arenas remains a captivating chapter in the unfolding saga of Trump’s post-presidential legal challenges.
