Law Offices of Robert G. Wells

OOOOO! Look what arrived in my office today!!!

I think a problem many of us have (lawyers and others) is that our heads are populated and principally inhabited by those who have hurt us. We try to be positiv...e. We try not to let these others have power over our hearts and minds. Particularly, when we are trying to defend the weak, the sick, or the ill-fated and damned. It hurts more because we are genuinely acting and speaking from our hearts on behalf of those for whom we are responsible. It is most puzzling when you actually wrest some degree of justice from the powerful (maybe the best you have ever gotten for someone), yet you are then assailed for your work and for seeking what you know to be right and just. It puzzles as much as it hurts. We try to get past the hurt, above all when it was delivered to us publicly to excoriate, berate, degrade and embarrass us; to weaken us and make us appear ignorant, ineffective, deficient, or worthless in the eyes of others. This is sometimes done to deter us in our quest, to stop us in our beliefs, to prevent us from standing up for others in the way our hearts knows we should, and our oaths require. We hurt to our very core for having sought justice for a person and their family. But for whatever the reasons given for what they do to our clients, or to us, it often seems to take too long a time to heal and recover. Time we do not have under the demands of our chosen work. This is especially so when those inhabiting our head are the ones in power who we must face again, and again, and again, throughout the rest of our careers or lives, and when they find us contemptible or loathsome. Resilience is a gift from God, but sometimes it takes longer to appear than we pray for. So, I say to my brothers and sisters: We must not become tired. We must not second guess our work or wonder how we could have pleased the powerful. We must keep our dignity, poise, and purpose regardless of such treatment. We must carry on for those who depend upon us, irrespective of the tears in our hearts and the fear the powerful put upon us. We cannot be bowed, cowed, or beaten down. We must rise each time we are knocked to the ground. We must find the strength to get up every time and carry on. The alternative is unthinkable. Robert G. Wells Attorney at Law 120 East Washington Street Syracuse, New York 13202 Telephone: (315) 472-4489 Fax: (315) 472-1456

A simple Christmas song for you.

Wow! Gratifying! Thank you, Stephany!! Best Legal Hands You Can Be In 5.0 Posted by Stephany... December 2, 2020 I contacted Rob Wells' office on a late Friday afternoon in regards to a federal violation case in which my husband was scheduled to see the chief judge the following week. Immediately, his assistant Valerie scheduled a consultation for that Monday. Once I met Rob, I unloaded my fears, concerns, and worry. He listened, carefully. Once I gathered myself, Rob immediately got to work DURING the consultation. He made a few phone calls and gathered information about the case, judge, prosecutor and so on. He explained to me, in his opinion, what could be done, what should be done, and his price. Before agreeing to anything he answered my countless questions without feeling rushed to leave. In fact, he arranged for me to extend my meter parking instead! I left his office with a clearer mind, I retained him the next day. From there, I knew my husband was in the best hands he could be. Rob gathered information, visited my husband in jail, and created his case in which, unfortunately, my husband was guilty of. The day of sentencing was nerve wrecking, to say the least. The prosecutor savagely stated their side in which the judge sided with. Until Rob Wells spoke. He gave everyone in the court room a different side of my husband. A man, a father, who's family needed him. The judge gave my husband a second chance though he pleaded guilty! Honestly, this outcome was NOT suppose to happen. After the dark days were behind us, Val and Rob both reached out to check on my family. I will forever be thankful for Rob and Val. See more

When you, or someone you love, are in jeopardy of losing their freedom, or facing a possible criminal record that can remain for a lifetime, you must find a defender to stand with you, to speak for you, and whom you can trust, as if they were fighting for you as family, honestly and effectively and with the known competence and integrity to be heard. Call us. (315) 472-4489. We are at home in both of the pictures below whether the courtroom or the privacy and haven of our office.

I am telling this story for a young Native American client at sentencing in federal court for having ridden along as security for a woman transporting drugs from the Rez to a Central New York County. I hope it is understood and felt in the Court's fashioning and arriving at a just sentence. United States District Court...Continue reading

The quintessential essence of what we do as trial lawyers before our juries and in presenting equities in mitigation presentations arises most powerfully in our storytelling. We utilize it to arrive at Justice. Join us! https://fb.me/e/gRdQAL9mT

I have been presenting trial practice seminars to organizations of lawyers on Zoom (or equivalent platforms) now for awhile, as requested and invited to do. Everything from courtroom storytelling (Begin in the Cave of Altimara), writing and arguing at sentencing (The Last and the Lost Art of Justice), preparation of equities submissions, and an upcoming workshop on jury selection. Just concluded a two-day seminar/workshop on cross-examination, for instance, for NYSACDL. It ...went well and was well-received. We even found an electronic method of having breakout rooms for attendees to work on their own crosses for hypotheticals or, better yet, from their own cases. Thanks to Jennifer Ciulla Van Ort’s accomplished abilities. Thanks to my faculty for running those rooms (Ken Moynihan, Steven Epstein, Annie S H Porter, Mike Baker, and John Wallenstein). I was even electronically able to move in and out of each breakout room to field questions and monitor progress. BUT, I do so miss the live, personal presence and palpable connection with people established during in-person seminars where we are all together in the same room. Before the pernicious and divisive pandemic, at the beginning of every seminar, as people were being seated, I would go up to every single one, introduce myself, shake their hand, talk with them for a bit, and find out about them and who they are. What a delight that was to meet all these trial lawyers. What an effective way to connect with people who would then no longer be strangers in my life. Live is differently interactive. More human, if that makes any sense to you. Just as I have encountered that deep, visceral yearning for a return to real jury trials as the primary path to Justice for clients. Jury trials used to worry me. Now, their absence worries me far more. Staying away from people...not my style.

In case you missed the initial airing on PBS, here is the link to the program regarding Criminal Justice Reform in New York. Crime and Punishment in the Empire State. https://video.wcny.org//crime-punishment-in-the-empire-st/

Teaching a two-day seminar/workshop on cross-examination (utilizing Zoom) for NYSACDL. Then breaking down to small group practice rooms with the help of Annie S H Porter, Ken Moynihan, John Wallenstein, Mike Baker, and Steve Epstein. Immense thanks goes to our electronic wizadress, and Executive Director, Jennifer Van Ort.

A kind word On a tired day In a weary world Can light my way. - Robert Wells -... Thank you. A new review has been posted to your AVVO profile: FIVE STARS Mr. Wells is a great attorney. Due to his knowledge and kindness, he made it possible for me to fight against an injustice that had happened to me and the people who perpetrated it. His help changed my life for the better because he cared enough to give me that chance. He has a lot of experience, is fantastic to work with and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I am grateful to him for everything he did to help me.

NYSACDL's Webinar Week continues with NYSACDL CLE Webinar: In-Depth Cross Examination beginning tomorrow, 10/7 and continuing on Friday, 10/9. This interactive program, led by attorney Robert Wells and guest faculty members, will lead you through cross-examination techniques you can use. You will meet in small groups to practice and hone your technique! Register online here: http://bit.ly/NYSACDLCrossFall

I will always treasure these people and this photo from our Georgia federal case together. You could drop this team anywhere to fight for Justice. Doesn’t matter what part of the country or what they bring against us. Ever see Gerry Spence’s methods applied and lived in the real world? This is what it looks like at its best.

NYSACDL CLE WEBINAR In-Depth Cross Examination: Telling the story through their witnesses. ... 7.5 Skills Credit Please Note This Event is Now a 2-Day Webinar! Wednesday, October 7th - 1pm - 4:30pm Friday, October 9th - 1pm - 4:30pm Rob Wells: When you dreamed of becoming a jury trial lawyer, the skill you thought of was cross-examination. It was the titanic, witty debate and battle in which you would reduce the opposition’s witnesses and evidence to rubble and emerge with glorious Justice for your client. Then, you tried it and it wasn’t like it looked in the movies. Real cross-examination in a public forum with real witnesses and vigorous opposing counsel was quite another thing. NYSACDL will provide you a system of cross-examination you can master and utilize to get to your goal with style. The morning session will introduce you to the method and the tools. Then, you will, in small groups in a safe and nurturing environment aided by experienced trainers, develop, design and practice this style of cross-examinations utilizing any of six simple hypotheticals provided. The way to learn, is to do, and this is your chance to do both in a single day. Agenda Wednesday, October 7th 1:00pm 2:45pm: Opening Remarks & Plenary Session Robert G. Wells, Esq. 3:00pm 4:30pm Small Group Interactive Instruction with Faculty Advisors Including: Derek S. Andrews, Esq. Michael T. Baker, Esq. Steven B. Epstein, Esq. Laura A. Fiorenza, Esq. Kenneth Moynihan, Esq. Annaleigh Porter, Esq. Donald G. Rehkopf, Jr., Esq. Craig P. Schlanger, Esq. John S. Wallenstein, Esq. Friday, October 9th 1:00pm 3:00pm: Small Group Interactive Instruction Con't 3:15pm 4:15pm: Group Presentations

TELL THE STORY (TLC METHODS): Sometimes you can fulfill your whole sentence in pretrial confinement, never having to enter the world of the Bureau of Prisons, especially when you are detained upon an immigration detainer. Rey had been facing a maximum of 41 months in his plea appeal waiver....Continue reading

Simple tools. My best work is done with simple tools. Up at 4:30. ... I will be out early to spend a block of time sitting and listening to the story of a client who is unable to come and see me. It amazes me how much I learn just by shutting up. You do not need to be "in control" all the time. Let go. Realize the client may be more important to your work then you are. People nowadays seem genuinely amazed when someone sincerely listens to them; not interrupting, not taking a breath to say something in response; just honestly listening. For someone to receive Justice, they must first be heard. Listening is my first and most fundamental tool.

When an incarcerated client writes and files a letter with the court himself speaking of your representation: Mr. Wells and I work together. He’s Batman and I’m Blankman. File under positive client relations. ... Oh, and...always be Batman. A favorite memory from a year ago today.