Richard Morrisroe, bilingual Spanish-speaking lawyer at VanDette Law PLLC specializing in Personal Injury, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings, Criminal and Traffic Defense, Landlord and Tenant Matters, and General Business Matters.

Richard J. Morrisroe

Richard Jonathan Morrisroe has practiced law in New York State for nearly 11 years. Specializing in real estate closings, evictions, criminal & traffic violation defense, and plaintiff's personal injury work, Richard brings extensive legal expertise to his clients.

As the former City Attorney for Dunkirk and current general counsel for the Dunkirk Housing Authority, Richard's commitment to his community is clear. Originally from East Chicago, Indiana, he is of Irish-Puerto Rican heritage, speaks fluent Spanish, and has lived in Buffalo and Dunkirk for over 25 years with his wife Iris, a Dominican-American school teacher, and their youngest son, Nicholas.

Richard's diverse background includes roles as a banker, Spanish teacher, executive director of a nonprofit housing agency, realtor, drug prevention specialist, and legislative aide for the Buffalo Common Council. He graduated cum laude from Amherst College and the University at Buffalo Law School.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Richard is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele, ensuring that all clients receive the support they need.

Practice Areas

  • Personal Injury
  • Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings
  • Criminal and Traffic Defense
  • Landlord and Tenant Matters
  • General Business Matters

Education

  • University at Buffalo Law School, Buffalo, New York
  • J.D. - 2011
  • Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
  • B.A. - 1997
  • Major: American Studies & Spanish

Professional Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Member, 2011 to Present
  • Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Member, 2011 to Present
  • Northern Chautauqua Bar Association
  • Bar Association of Erie Co., Member, 2012 to Present
  • Northern Chautauqua Co Bar Association, Member, 2017 to Present

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Handle pro bono cases for the BAEC Volunteer Lawyer Project, 2012 to Present
  • Handle pro bono cases from time to time in Chau Co, 2018 to Present

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 2012
  • U.S. District Court Western District of New York

Honors

  • Desmond Moot Court Best Oral Advocate (University at Buffalo Law School)