Disbarred Chesco Attorney Pleads Guilty To Stealing From Clients

WEST CHESTER — A 61-year-old disbarred attorney pleaded guilty in the Chester County Justice Center to theft of over $1 million from former law clients.

Thomas Schindler remains free on $50,000 bail to await sentencing for failing to plead guilty to theft from former clients who fired him for their divorce.

Schindler was charged with theft of nearly $1 million from former clients who hired him for a divorce case, according to prosecutors.

The charges stemmed from a 2018 financial agreement where he failed to make required transfers of proceeds from the sale of their Easttown Township home.

“Thomas Schindler misused his power and took advantage of his clients at vulnerable times in their lives,” Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said.
“They came to him looking for guidance, and he betrayed that trust for his own selfish gain. It is especially disheartening when those who take an oath to uphold the law are the ones who violate it.”
According to prosecutors:
In November 2021, detectives received a complaint regarding retainer money given to the defendant by a client who hired him as a defense attorney.
The victim paid the defendant $95,000 in August 2019 for representation in a criminal matter.
Detectives discovered that the victim was never paid the $84,000 balance owed to him at the time of the defendant’s disbarment despite numerous attempts and requests by the victim and his new attorney.