Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The state attorney general and State Police say a Buffalo man practiced law without a license, and in the process, defrauding people out of thousands of dollars.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen say Andrew Schnorr, 39, practiced law without a license and defrauded New Yorkers in Buffalo out of more than $22,000 in legal fees. James says Schnorr never graduated from law school or passed the bar exam, but posed as a licensed attorney and even represented clients at numerous legal proceedings.
"Practicing law without a license undermines the integrity of our judicial system and jeopardizes the fate of New Yorkers who need legal services," says James. "This individual tricked vulnerable people by posing as an attorney who could help them, but instead cheated them out of tens of thousands of dollars while risking their future. New Yorkers must be able to trust that the professionals representing them are qualified and serving in their best interest."
"This suspect lied about his credentials and as a result stole thousands from unsuspecting victims who were counting on him for legal advice based on education and training that he didn't have," says Bruen. "I commend our members and the Office of the Attorney General for their work to hold this suspect accountable for his actions."
James says Schnorr secured his job at a Buffalo law firm by submitting a resume with fake credentials. He worked as an associate attorney at the firm and was tasked with civil matters involving depositions and settlement conferences. Altogether, he represented at least nine clients at the law firm beginning in 2019.
Any New Yorker who believes that they have been a victim of this type of crime or have additional information regarding this matter are encouraged to contact OAG at (716) 853-8400.
