RICHARD H. EDWARDS, ESQ.

 

Walsh & Edwards January 1998 to Present: Owner of law firm Walsh & Edwards concentrating in Real Estate, Wills and Estates, Corporation and Business and General Practice Consultation. Approved and issuing attorney for First American Title Insurance Company. Approved attorney for First Niagara, CUC Mortgage, North Franklin Credit Union of Malone, Wells Fargo, Homestead Funding Corp, KeyBank, N.A., Bank of America; Paragon Home Loans, NA. Have represented in past; Countrywide Home Loans, M & T Mortgage Corp. HSBC Farm Loans, Charter One; Albank FSB, Citizens National Bank of Malone, Beneficial Homeowners. Represent Franklin County in INREM Tax Foreclosures proceedings. Represent Town of Westville and Bombay and Fort Covington. Review abstracts of title, prepare title reports and certify title to private clients and lending institutions.

 

Richard H. Edwards Law Practice1986-1991: Maintained sole practitioner General Law Practice with emphasis in real estate, wills and estate, corporation work, matrimonial, workers compensation with litigation in Supreme, County and Justice Court. (In 1991 left private practice to become full-time Franklin County District Attorney).

 

Fischer, Hughes, Bessette & Edwards 1981-1986: As a partner with the firm handled real estate, estate work, litigation, workers compensation, Family Court, corporate initial interview to conclusion.

 

Herron, Lawler & Fischer & Hughes 1976-1981: As an associate was exposed to all aspects of one of the largest practices in the region. Handled cases involving litigation in Family Court, Supreme Court and Justice Court as well as real estate transactions.

 

PUBLIC LEGAL OFFICES

 

Franklin County District Attorney 1990-1997 (1990 - part time); 1991-1997 (full time): Responsible for the prosecution of all criminal cases in County; conducted countless trials in County and Justice Court; Implemented policies consistent with speedy trial requirements to handle 1700+ misdemeanors and felony cases per year; prepared and implemented budget for County to minimize expenses and maximize reimbursement; as Chief Prosecutor interacted with various police agencies and other County, State and Federal authorities in prosecution of criminals. Successfully campaigned for and was elected District Attorney for two (2) terms.

 

Franklin County Attorney 1980-1989 (part-time): Represented County legally in all civil matters in Franklin County, JD and PINS, at all Board meetings; as legal advisor to Department Heads; represented County in acquisition and sale of property, Industrial Development Bonding and in Construction Phase of construction of five million dollar County Courthouse Complex; represented County in other Courts; represented County in relations with other counties, the State and Federal government and generally responsible for all county civil legal issues.

 

Franklin County Attorney – Assistant 1977-1979 (part-time): Handled support and family offenses and JD and PINS cases.

 

OTHER RELATED EXPERIENCES

 

Albany Urban Renewal Agency 1974-1976: As a law clerk, while in Law School, worked part time as direct assistance to Corporate Attorney. Prepared paperwork for acquisition of property in Albany for Urban Renewal. Reviewed titles and prepared deeds and descriptions.

 

Land surveyor Earl D. Armstrong 1972-1976: Worked part-time while in law school. Acted as note taker, rod man, reviewed abstracts, helped prepare description and reviewed survey maps.

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AFFILIATIONS:

Potsdam State College Council – Past Board Member – 18 years service.

Malone Gold Club Board of Directors – Past President – 18 years service.

Franklin County Bar Association – Treasurer1980 to date.

New York State Bar Association – Member

New York State District Attorneys Association – Past Member

 

EDUCATION:

1977 – Admitted to New York State Bar & Bar to the Northern District Federal Court.

1976 – Juris Doctor – Albany Law School – Law Degree.

1973 – Bachelor of Arts – Political Science – SUNY at Potsdam.

1969 – NYS Regents Diploma – Carthage Augustinian Academy.