About Richard Willstatter

A graduate of Duke Law School, Richard Willstatter has emerged as a leader among New York’s criminal defense lawyers. He is a past President of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL), an organization of more than 1,000 lawyers across the state, dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and strengthening the criminal defense bar.

Mr. Willstatter has headed and remains a member of the Amicus Committee of NYSACDL, which coordinates the filing of “friend of the court” briefs on important legal issues before state and federal courts. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), where he also serves as Amicus Curiae Committee Vice Chair. Mr. Willstatter is a tenacious advocate for his clients, and well known among his colleagues for a no-nonsense approach that stresses preparation, research, solid paperwork, investigation, and the assistance of experts when needed.

Mr. Willstatter is also dedicated to educating himself about new developments in the law and having a continuing dialogue with his criminal defense colleagues on “cutting edge” issues. He has given numerous Continuing Legal Education lectures on such topics as current appellate issues, the Federal Rules of Evidence, Obtaining and Reviewing Digital Evidence, and the cross-examination of a forensic chemist.