Lawyer Is Remorseful About Stealing Money From Client

David R. Schnell, 53, was convicted of stealingalmost $34,000 from a client’s estate. Erie County Judge Sheila A DiTullio ordered the disbarred lawyer torepay the money and serve six months in jail and five years on probation. 

Schnell admitted to a gambling addiction, andexpressed extreme remorse for betraying his client’s trust.  He makes no excuses for his actions andonly blames himself. 

As a result of his gambling addiction, Schnell raninto other trouble with the law. He plead guilty to grand larceny for thefts from other estates in NiagraCounty.  Currently, Schnell isserving two consecutive one-year sentences in Niagra County, and he has to paythe full amount back to the victims over 10 years. 

See NorthTonawanda Lawyer Sentenced For Stealing From Client, The Buffalo News, Sept.8, 2012.   

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional LegalMarketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.