No Photo

Robert Schuster

5.0
Rating: 2.5

Licensed for 31 years

Lawyer
This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Not Practicing
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
See Details

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

This attorney has not specified their practice areas.

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Connecticut for 14 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 2011

Active

Licensed in New York for 31 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1995

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Robert Schuster's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

64 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by RM | August 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Extremely grateful; Efficient attorney!

The morning of August 10th was one of the most unexpected wake up calls in my life; it shook my foundation and impacted not only me but the people I care about most; my family and my community. I quickly turned to the internet and googled top lawyers in Westchester and found a link to Robert Schuster... and remember reading all the reviews and praise for his effectiveness and extensive experience in guiding families through such an ordeal. I called his office for a consultation and quickly received a personal call by Robert himself. He was honest and straight forward with the facts. He prepared me and quickly set things in motion, while also easing the tension one feels after such an unfortunate event. Fast forward to the court date (8/23) and I could see Robert had a great relationship with everyone in the court room and his experience was definitely on display. He was able to get the best possible outcome with all charges dismissed and dropped to a traffic infraction. I was able to walk away with my dignity and a lesson well learned. The fact that he was able to resolve this matter with relative ease and with no further impact to myself or family is a testament to his experience and why he is one of the top lawyers in Westchester. My family and I are extremely grateful. Everything happens for a reason and I am glad I went with my instincts and hired Robert to represent me, he was worth every penny.

Posted by Margaret Glenny | April 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A fighter and a true lifesaver

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Attorney Schuster. Hiring him was the best decision we could have made. Even though it took the better part of a year, and it was expensive, the results he got for my son were better than the expectations that he set for the case at our first meeting. My so...n was overcharged by the DA with serious felony crimes because of a situation with his ex. Even though my son made some mistakes, he was looking at a very long prison term and I didn’t think he deserved it. Mr. Schuster never stopped fighting for us, and was always professional and available when I called or emailed. Even when he was busy he made us feel like his most important client. His staff was always nice to me whenever I called. Attorney Schuster managed to get the charges reduced and then dropped further when we were nearing a trial because of his investigation, research and arguments. The respect he commanded in Court from the Judge was obvious. Instead of possibly decades in prison, my son was able to get a misdemeanor and probation and has a second chance at life. Thank God for Attorney Schuster!

Posted by Douglas | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Exactly as advertised

At 56 years old I've had the need for two attorney's in my life - when i bought my first home then again when i bought my second. Recently a close family member made a very foolish mistake and we needed counsel and representation. Flying blind, I searched the internet and came across information on... Attorney Robert Schuster. Right from the start I found him responsive and clearly knowledgeable. Attorney Schuster was sympathetic to our financial hardship and willing to work with us; even to the point of offering up an alternative if we could not find a way to make it work. Attorney Schuster met with us and patiently described the process and answered all of our questions. He did not sugar coat this situation - laid all potentialities straight out on the table and devised a plan of action. We followed his plan and as of 10:30 this morning my family members case was dismissed and record sealed; mug shots and fingerprints destroyed. For the world to know this mistake never happened and this special person to me has his second chance. Thank you Attorney Schuster!

Posted by Michael | August 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Knowledge, experience and professionalism

I retained Robert as my defense in my first dance with the criminal justice system, which was for a DWI in Westchester County. The bottom line is this, Robert knows the law to the letter, and works all over the county -- which results in a diverse professional network. These two things are what g...oes to work for you, in a tight spot. My experience specifically involved a high reading, which is Westchester County is very hard to deal with, a large large percentage of cases like mine end up with Probation. Robert was able to negotiate a 1y conditional discharge, and avoid probation. In my eyes, this was the best possible result I could have achieved, given the state's case. While not the cheapest option you will come across, he is in my eyes bar far the most equipped and knowledgeable attorney working in this space in the area.

Posted by Andrae | December 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Attorney

I was recently charged for misdemeanor with Petit Larceny at yorktown heights with Sears. I'm on an immigrant visa h-4 and was clueless how the law worked in the US and was confused reading several forums online. None of it worked, until i came across attorney Robert Schuster. I reached several attor...ney's and some wrote back to me refering attorney Schuster as the best in the location. I received a call within two minutes after speaking to his assistant. I was pleased to hear from him and explained my situation. He took time off to meet with me on his day off and we signed a retainer with him. fyi, his fees are on the higher side but you will have peace of mind, guaranteed. He gave me hope for my case that he can get it dismissed and not to worry much. I reached out to the attorney several times and he has always responded quickly, often within minutes and that gave me peace of mind. On the court date, I noticed that he is well respected and has high regards by others in the Courts. There were some curve balls in my case, but he handled it perfectly and got my case dismissed. I was hardly there for 2 minutes in front of the judge. No questions asked. I had to pay a fine and got my case sealed with a 1 year probation. On the whole, i highly recommend attorney Robert Schyuster if you are looking for a great criminal attorney. He is very dedicated and will work on your best interest.

Robert Schuster

Replied last December 14, 2015

Thank you very much for the kind review,. Just know that you are not on a one year probation. As was explained in open court, by the Judge, you have only a conditional discharge (a 1year 'CD') with no requirements other than to not be arrested which I know will not be any issue for you. It is easy to use the wrong term but I felt obliged to correct it for you so you do not utilize the wrong term going forward. I am glad we could dismiss your charge and wish you all the best.

See All Client Reviews

Robert Schuster's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Matthew Howard Schwartz headshot
Matthew Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I know Robert Schuster to be both a tenacious advocate and a brilliant tactician. I have known Rob for over thirty years, but I recently had the pleasure of working with him on a complex, multi-jurisdictional matter. I felt very comfortable relying on the vast expertise he brought to the table, and consequently, we were able to navigate our client safely through treacherous legal circumstances. Furthermore, Rob has consistently impressed me over the years with his professional achievements which literally range from “great” to “unbelievable”. After many candid discussions, it has become clear to me that Rob’s default approach to any matter is (1) comprehensive analysis; (2) strategic planning; and (3) fearless execution. There is no question that Rob Schuster is the kind of attorney someone needs to engage when their most critical interests are at risk."

Michael J Palumbo headshot
Michael Palumbo

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Robert is simply the best criminal / felony / DWI lawyer you will find. I practice traffic ticket and auto crime defense. When clients call me having been arrested with a pound of weed, felony burglary, DWI, and any other type of malfeasance you can think of, I refer them right to Robert. Can I do it - yes. But, I have a high volume practice and my clients need my attention. I refer them to Robert because he is simply the best in the business for criminal defense, felony defense, and DWI. Believe me, you will be happy with his work, so if you or anyone you know is jammed up with the law, don't delay call Robert ASAP!"

Michael Borrelli headshot
Michael Borrelli

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked both with and against Robert in many criminal matters. Robert works very hard to get the best outcome for his client no matter how big or small the case. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Adam David Perlmutter headshot
Adam Perlmutter

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Robert Schuster on a matter where we both represented clients. He was extremely knowledgable about the Westchester courts, DAs and practice. He also has a keen understanding of the law and works his cases aggressively. He stands in the best tradition of criminal defense attorneys and is a credit to the profession."

Peter M Appleton headshot
Peter Appleton

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the privilege to work closely with Robert Schuster. He is a thoroughly prepared advocate who understands how to protect his client's interests. He is also a compassionate counsellor. He communicates with his clients faced with difficult and sensitive issues in a straightforward and reassuring manner."

Glen P. Malia headshot
Glen Malia

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He works harder for his clients than any other attorney I know."

Richard Portale headshot
Richard Portale

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am a colleague of Robert's and have worked with him on several cases over the years. Robert is perhaps a chess master. He is highly intelligent and anticipates the moves of his adversary - two, three moves in advance. He is one of the few attorneys who reports results that I respect. I would trust him to handle a case or client for me and THAT list is VERY short. I recommend him without reservation."

View All Endorsements
Michael Borrelli headshot
Michael Borrelli

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey P Scaggs headshot
Jeffrey Scaggs

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael J Palumbo headshot
Michael Palumbo

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

John Richard Lewis headshot
John Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer

Darren DeUrso headshot
Darren DeUrso

Family lawyer

Jared Altman headshot
Jared Altman

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam David Perlmutter headshot
Adam Perlmutter

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Howard Schwartz headshot
Matthew Schwartz

General practice lawyer

Peter M Appleton headshot
Peter Appleton

Personal injury lawyer

Ari Greene Bernstein headshot
Ari Bernstein

Business lawyer

Glen P. Malia headshot
Glen Malia

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Experience

Rating:  2.5 (Strong Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Disbarment issued in NY, 2021

updated on 02/17/2023

Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court to understand the reasons for disbarment.

Honors

2019

Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2019

10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys in New York, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2019

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2019

10 Best Attorney Selection for New York, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Invitation Selection, National Trial Lawyers

2019

Top 10 Attorney, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2018

Top 100, Association of American Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, American Jurist Institute

2017

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Best Attorneys Of America, Rue Ratings

2015

Premier Attorney - Top 100 Trial Attorney, American Academy of Trial Attorneys

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers

1989

Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa

1989

Excellence of Service Seal, Johns Hopkins University

1989

Seal for Outstanding Leadership, Johns Hopkins University

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Offices Of Robert Schuster

1997 - 1997

Assistant District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office

1997 - 1998

Associate, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker

1995 - 1997

Assistant District Attorney, Cayuga County District Attorney's Office

1993 - 1993

Legal Intern, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia

1992 - 1992

Summer Associate, Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi

Associations

2014 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

2012 - Present

United States District Court for the District of Connecticut

Admitted to Practice

2010 - Present

Queens County Bar Association

2010 - Present

Yorktown Bar Association

2010 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

2010 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

1999 - Present

Westchester County Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

Westchester 18(b) Felony, Appellate, and Parole Panels

Member

1989 - Present

Phi Beta Kappa

Member

1988 - 1989

The Johns Hopkins University Law Society

President

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Schokman

All DWI charges DISMISSED

People v. Blount

Unanimously reversed on the law

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Johns Hopkins University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

1991

Mock Trial - Georgetown University Law Center

Totality of the Circumstances Pretext in Traffic Stops

Publications

2014

The Law Offices of Robert Schuster 10 Things to do at a DWI Stop in Westchester County

2014

The Law Offices of Robert Schuster All About the New York SAFE Act

1996

The Post-Standard Dismissal of Contraband Case Appealed

1996

The Citizen New Assistant DA on Staff

1996

The Citizen Father Convicted of Abuse

1996

The Citizen Conviction With Reluctant Help

1996

The Citizen Despite Victims Initial Refusal To Testify

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution