Criminal Defense: General Practice Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Leonard G. Ambrose III
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1993 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Attorney Ambrose is a graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He is the senior partner at The Ambrose Law Firm in Erie, Pennsylvania. His practice is devoted to litigation, with a primary focus on Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. He also has extensive experience in complex civil litigation, including plaintiffs’ medical malpractice and commercial disputes, in both state and federal courts across the United States.
Attorney Ambrose is a former Vice President of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and maintains membership in the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, as well as the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations. Throughout his career, he has represented a broad range of clients, including elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement officers, physicians, business entities, and individuals facing serious felony allegations. In 1991, he was named a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, an invitation-only professional organization comprised of criminal defense practitioners from across the country. He has also been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Law in Pennsylvania for many consecutive years and has been listed in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in the Criminal Defense: Violence and White Collar categories for more than two decades.
Over the course of nearly four decades, Attorney Ambrose has tried more than 150 major felony cases to verdict, including 59 homicide cases handled both within and outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His trial experience includes matters in 16 states, with a significant number litigated in federal district courts. He currently devotes his practice entirely to the trial of major criminal and civil cases in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
In addition to his criminal defense work, Attorney Ambrose has obtained substantial jury verdicts in medical malpractice litigation in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Notably, in December 2002, he secured a $4.1 million verdict in a medical malpractice case tried in the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, which ranked among the largest such verdicts in Pennsylvania that year. He has also successfully defended high-profile clients, including securing an acquittal for the former Mayor of the City of Erie on conspiracy and public corruption charges following a joint investigation by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Attorney Ambrose frequently lectures to bar associations, legal organizations, and law schools on criminal defense strategy and civil trial practice. His speaking engagements have included presentations at institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he has addressed both civil and criminal litigation topics. He continues to serve clients in Erie, Pennsylvania, and throughout the region through The Ambrose Law Firm.
Overview
- University of Cincinnati, J.D., graduated 1972
- American Board of Criminal Lawyers - Fellow
- American Bar Association - Member
- Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association - member
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Past Vice President
- American Board of Criminal Lawyers - Fellow
- American Bar Association - Member
- Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association - member
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Past Vice President
- University of Cincinnati, J.D., graduated 1972
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Criminal Defense: General Practice, Pittsburgh (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Criminal Defense: General Practice
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Civil Rights Law
- Environmental Law
- Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Awards:
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- STATE v. SWANSON: OHIO STATE CRIMINAL COURT
Ms. Swanson, an emergency room physician, was charged with 52 counts related to the distribution of prescription medications. She retained Attorney Ambrose, along with Pennsylvania counsel and Ohio counsel Attorney Angelo Lonardo of Cleveland. The indictment was dismissed, and she continues to practice medicine in both Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EATON: FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Attorney Ambrose represented a member of Local 47 of the Steamfitters and Pipefitters Union of Western Pennsylvania who was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The charges alleged the use of a chemical device involving a 200-pound cylinder of chlorine in an attempted attack on the union’s business manager and the manager’s family.
The government alleged that the cylinder was attached to a residence and that chlorine gas was released into the home. The matter was investigated by the Pittsburgh FBI Field Office, and the defendant faced potential penalties ranging from decades in prison to a life sentence.
Following a jury trial, Mr. Eaton was acquitted of all charges.
The government alleged that the cylinder was attached to a residence and that chlorine gas was released into the home. The matter was investigated by the Pittsburgh FBI Field Office, and the defendant faced potential penalties ranging from decades in prison to a life sentence.
Following a jury trial, Mr. Eaton was acquitted of all charges.
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. GATES: FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. Gates served as vice president of Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. The United States Department of Health and Human Services provided significant funding to the university for designated “Special Projects.” Dr. Gates was later indicted on allegations that these funds were misappropriated for personal use. The federal indictment included multiple counts of embezzlement, filing false statements with the Department of Health and Human Services, and other alleged violations of federal law.
Attorney Ambrose represented Dr. Gates throughout the federal proceedings. Following litigation in this complex white-collar criminal matter, the case concluded with acquittals on all counts.
Attorney Ambrose represented Dr. Gates throughout the federal proceedings. Following litigation in this complex white-collar criminal matter, the case concluded with acquittals on all counts.
- COMMONWEALTH V. FILIPPI: PENNSYLVANIA STATE CRIMINAL COURT
Mr. Filippi served as Mayor of the City of Erie at the time he was indicted by a statewide grand jury on charges including public corruption, insider trading, and filing false statements with the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission. The allegations arose from negotiations related to the proposed development of a gaming and racetrack facility at a former industrial site within the City of Erie.
The matter was initially investigated by the FBI and later assumed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Due to extensive pretrial publicity, the defense requested a change of venue, which was granted by the trial court. The case was subsequently tried in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense maintained that Mr. Filippi did not violate any legal or ethical duties in his capacity as mayor during discussions with the gaming company regarding redevelopment of the site.
Following trial, Mr. Filippi was acquitted of all charges.
The matter was initially investigated by the FBI and later assumed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Due to extensive pretrial publicity, the defense requested a change of venue, which was granted by the trial court. The case was subsequently tried in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense maintained that Mr. Filippi did not violate any legal or ethical duties in his capacity as mayor during discussions with the gaming company regarding redevelopment of the site.
Following trial, Mr. Filippi was acquitted of all charges.
- THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. BISARIA, ET AL: FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
Steve Lewis was indicted for submitting fraudulent invoices connected to a scheme that allowed a hotel owner, Atul Bisaria, to seek approximately $16 million from two now-defunct banks. Lewis owned an interior design firm in Florida that focused on hotel renovations. Bisaria later fled the country and was reported to be outside the United States.
During pretrial preparation, Attorney Ambrose engaged in negotiations with the United States Attorney’s Office that resulted in a plea agreement. He then represented Lewis during the sentencing phase and presented arguments aimed at limiting the length of incarceration.
The government requested a three-year prison sentence. U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee imposed a six-month sentence in a low-security federal facility, stating that the term was sufficient “to impress upon Mr. Lewis respect for the law.”
Attorney Ambrose later noted to Law360 that Lewis was expected to serve approximately four and a half months. He also stated that the court agreed to request that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons designate a facility near Lewis’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.
During pretrial preparation, Attorney Ambrose engaged in negotiations with the United States Attorney’s Office that resulted in a plea agreement. He then represented Lewis during the sentencing phase and presented arguments aimed at limiting the length of incarceration.
The government requested a three-year prison sentence. U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee imposed a six-month sentence in a low-security federal facility, stating that the term was sufficient “to impress upon Mr. Lewis respect for the law.”
Attorney Ambrose later noted to Law360 that Lewis was expected to serve approximately four and a half months. He also stated that the court agreed to request that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons designate a facility near Lewis’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.
- COMMONWEALTH v. TAE HYUNG BU, M.D. : PENNSYLVANIA STATE CRIMINAL COURT
Tae Hyung Bu, a gynecologist, faced allegations from three patients who accused him of inappropriate touching during breast and vaginal examinations. As a result, he was charged with three counts of indecent assault. Attorney Ambrose represented Dr. Bu and sought to have the matters separated into three individual trials, which proceeded over approximately nine months.
Across all three trials, the defense maintained that the examinations were conducted for legitimate medical purposes and were appropriate in a post-surgical context. After presentation of the evidence and testimony, each trial concluded with an acquittal.
Across all three trials, the defense maintained that the examinations were conducted for legitimate medical purposes and were appropriate in a post-surgical context. After presentation of the evidence and testimony, each trial concluded with an acquittal.
- BROWN v. BEATON AND METRO HEALTH: PENNSYLVANIA STATE CIVIL COURT
The Browns brought a medical negligence action against Dr. Beaton and Metro Health after serious complications arose during what initially appeared to be a routine childbirth. Mrs. Brown was admitted to the hospital after her water broke, a common occurrence in labor. Her labor became prolonged, and during a digital examination, a uterine infection was identified.
Despite these developments, Dr. Beaton did not order antibiotics and intermittently administered labor-inducing medications. As labor continued, the unborn child’s heart rate increased, and Mrs. Brown began vomiting and developed a high fever. The untreated infection caused significant illness to Mrs. Brown and compromised the child’s condition during the delivery process.
After approximately 42 hours of labor complicated by infection, Dr. Beaton ordered a caesarean section. At trial, a qualified medical witness testified that a caesarean section should have been performed at least 20 hours earlier, once the complications became apparent.
The child tragically died after aspirating infected fluids prior to delivery. Devastated by the loss, the Browns retained Attorney Leonard Ambrose to investigate the circumstances surrounding their child’s death and to pursue accountability for the care provided.
The Browns were initially informed by hospital staff that the child died due to a “placental web” that allegedly kinked the umbilical cord. However, no medical evidence supported that explanation. The Browns did not learn the actual cause of death until nearly four years later, while preparing for trial with Attorney Ambrose.
Mr. Brown later stated to the Erie Times, “I think when you go to the doctor you assume you are going to be treated properly and competently. We had no idea there was a problem, and then they lied to us about what happened.”
After a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Browns in the amount of $4.1 million.
Following the verdict, lead counsel Leonard Ambrose emphasized the importance of patient safety and accountability within the medical system, noting that preventable failures in care can have devastating consequences for families.
Despite these developments, Dr. Beaton did not order antibiotics and intermittently administered labor-inducing medications. As labor continued, the unborn child’s heart rate increased, and Mrs. Brown began vomiting and developed a high fever. The untreated infection caused significant illness to Mrs. Brown and compromised the child’s condition during the delivery process.
After approximately 42 hours of labor complicated by infection, Dr. Beaton ordered a caesarean section. At trial, a qualified medical witness testified that a caesarean section should have been performed at least 20 hours earlier, once the complications became apparent.
The child tragically died after aspirating infected fluids prior to delivery. Devastated by the loss, the Browns retained Attorney Leonard Ambrose to investigate the circumstances surrounding their child’s death and to pursue accountability for the care provided.
The Browns were initially informed by hospital staff that the child died due to a “placental web” that allegedly kinked the umbilical cord. However, no medical evidence supported that explanation. The Browns did not learn the actual cause of death until nearly four years later, while preparing for trial with Attorney Ambrose.
Mr. Brown later stated to the Erie Times, “I think when you go to the doctor you assume you are going to be treated properly and competently. We had no idea there was a problem, and then they lied to us about what happened.”
After a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Browns in the amount of $4.1 million.
Following the verdict, lead counsel Leonard Ambrose emphasized the importance of patient safety and accountability within the medical system, noting that preventable failures in care can have devastating consequences for families.
- JUDICIAL CONDUCT BOARD v. DOMITROVICH: PENNSYLVANIA STATE COURT OF JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE
July 7, 2014
Ethics charges were filed against Erie County Court of Common Pleas Judge Stephanie Domitrovich by the Judicial Conduct Board in the State Court of Judicial Discipline.
Leonard Ambrose was retained as counsel and engaged former U.S. Attorney Jerry Alan Johnson to serve as co-counsel.
Attorney Ambrose publicly stated that the allegations lacked factual support and noted that Judge Domitrovich would continue to serve on the bench while the matter proceeded.
August 23, 2014
Judge Domitrovich was offered the option to retire from the bench in exchange for resolving the matter. After reviewing the allegations, Judge Domitrovich and Attorney Ambrose declined the offer and elected to contest the charges in order to address the claims on the record.
September 29, 2014
The Judicial Conduct Board sought Judge Domitrovich’s suspension while the case was pending. Following extensive oral argument before an eight-member panel, the request for suspension was denied, allowing her to remain on the bench during the proceedings.
September 17, 2015
Attorney Ambrose petitioned the Court of Judicial Discipline to consider a newly proposed Judicial Diversion Program designed for judges facing ethical, but not criminal, allegations. The court agreed that such a program was appropriate, and Judge Domitrovich was placed into the program and assigned a judicial mentor.
August 15, 2016
After completing one year in the Judicial Diversion Program, a hearing was held at which counsel for the Judicial Conduct Board stated that they would not oppose dismissal of the case.
August 31, 2016
The case against Judge Domitrovich was dismissed in its entirety. She was never suspended from the bench during the proceedings. The matter concluded with the implementation of a diversion framework for judges accused solely of ethical violations, and Judge Domitrovich continued her judicial service following dismissal.
Ethics charges were filed against Erie County Court of Common Pleas Judge Stephanie Domitrovich by the Judicial Conduct Board in the State Court of Judicial Discipline.
Leonard Ambrose was retained as counsel and engaged former U.S. Attorney Jerry Alan Johnson to serve as co-counsel.
Attorney Ambrose publicly stated that the allegations lacked factual support and noted that Judge Domitrovich would continue to serve on the bench while the matter proceeded.
August 23, 2014
Judge Domitrovich was offered the option to retire from the bench in exchange for resolving the matter. After reviewing the allegations, Judge Domitrovich and Attorney Ambrose declined the offer and elected to contest the charges in order to address the claims on the record.
September 29, 2014
The Judicial Conduct Board sought Judge Domitrovich’s suspension while the case was pending. Following extensive oral argument before an eight-member panel, the request for suspension was denied, allowing her to remain on the bench during the proceedings.
September 17, 2015
Attorney Ambrose petitioned the Court of Judicial Discipline to consider a newly proposed Judicial Diversion Program designed for judges facing ethical, but not criminal, allegations. The court agreed that such a program was appropriate, and Judge Domitrovich was placed into the program and assigned a judicial mentor.
August 15, 2016
After completing one year in the Judicial Diversion Program, a hearing was held at which counsel for the Judicial Conduct Board stated that they would not oppose dismissal of the case.
August 31, 2016
The case against Judge Domitrovich was dismissed in its entirety. She was never suspended from the bench during the proceedings. The matter concluded with the implementation of a diversion framework for judges accused solely of ethical violations, and Judge Domitrovich continued her judicial service following dismissal.
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