Facing an investigation by Attorney General Cuomo’s office last month, the Spitzer administration, seemingly sensing the scale of the matter, advised the governor’s communications director, Darren Dopp, to seek outside counsel, according to Mr. Dopp’s attorney, Terrence Kindlon.

“They told him that he needed to get a lawyer right away,” Mr. Kindlon said, noting that the investigation was moving at an extremely fast pace. “Their position was that there was a divergence of interest between their office and Darren.”

Mr. Cuomo’s report found Mr. Dopp to be a central figure in an effort that misused the state police to collect travel information about the Senate majority leader, Joseph Bruno, and pass it along to the press. Mr. Dopp has been suspended without pay indefinitely, though the report did not find that any laws had been broken.

Mr. Dopp declined to be interviewed by Mr. Cuomo’s office for the report.

Mr. Kindlon said that after investigators approached Mr. Dopp, the governor’s counsel advised the communications director to seek an attorney.

“They said to him that they could not advise him whether to give a statement or not,” Mr. Kindlon said.

Mr. Dopp first contacted Mr. Kindlon after receiving the advice from officials in the Spitzer administration. “It was my advice to him that he rest and hold still until I had control over the situation,” Mr. Kindlon said.

Mr. Dopp retained Mr. Kindlon late last month, bringing on the seasoned criminal defense lawyer despite facing no charges for any criminal wrongdoing, a move Mr. Kindlon characterized as prudent.

The New York Post reported earlier this week that two Spitzer aides had been designated as special counsel in part to advise Mr. Dopp. According to Mr. Kindlon, these were the aides who suggested Mr. Dopp seek counsel.

The statements by Mr. Kindlon come a day after the Albany County district attorney, David Soares, indicated he would pursue his own investigation into the issue. Mr. Dopp and the Spitzer administration could face further probes from the state Ethics Commission, which is already conducting a preliminary review, and the Republican-led Senate, which is likely to hold hearings on the matter. Mr. Kindlon said Mr. Dopp would give testimony when summoned.

“Darren is ready willing and able to cooperate with any legitimate investigation whatsoever,” Mr. Kindlon said. “Part of the problem here is that no one has been willing to listen to Darren’s story.”