Andrew R. Safranko

“For me, the law is about helping people and that’s why I chose this career path. I take pride in being a resource for my clients during their most difficult moments and ensuring their voices are heard.”

Founding Partner | Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Attorney

Andrew Safranko is an attorney and founding member of LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC, where he focuses his practice on personal injury litigation, professional discipline, and criminal defense. For decades, Andrew has represented thousands of clients across Albany and Upstate New York in both State and Federal Court, handling cases ranging from major felonies and complex white-collar crimes to misdemeanor and violation-level offenses.

As an accomplished trial lawyer, Andrew has extensive experience in all areas of criminal litigation and personal injury law. He has successfully litigated high-profile criminal cases, including matters involving homicide, large-scale fraud, campus investigations, and other significant statewide prosecutions, and has been involved in federal investigations that required strategic navigation through complex legal frameworks. Andrew has also argued appellate matters before New York’s appellate courts and has recovered millions of dollars for clients seriously injured due to the negligence of others.

Andrew is also widely recognized for his work in professional discipline defense, having represented doctors, lawyers, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed professionals facing allegations that threaten their careers and reputations. His deep understanding of administrative and disciplinary proceedings allows him to guide clients through the complexities of investigations, hearings, and regulatory actions.

Throughout his career, Andrew has taken cases through jury trials, appellate arguments, and federal investigations, demonstrating a consistent ability to navigate complex legal challenges. His courtroom results and defense strategies have contributed to LaMarche Safranko Law’s strong reputation for high-level criminal defense advocacy. The firm is frequently recognized in legal circles for its work in significant and sensitive cases throughout New York.

Andrew’s professional achievements have also been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, underscoring his position as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the Albany area.

A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Andrew is a graduate of The Albany Academy (1991), Emory University (1995), and Albany Law School (1998). After law school, he practiced alongside his father, the Hon. Stephen A. Safranko, gaining early trial experience and foundational knowledge that shaped his career. In 2001, he joined O’Connell and Aronowitz, one of Albany’s most prestigious law firms. Within just five years, he became one of the youngest attorneys ever elevated to partnership at the firm.

In 2012, Andrew partnered with George LaMarche III to form LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC, a firm built on dedication, client service, and exceptional legal advocacy. Today, the firm has grown to five attorneys with offices in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, Lake George, and Plattsburgh, New York, representing clients across a wide range of personal injury, criminal defense, and professional discipline matters.

With a proven record of results, decades of courtroom experience, and an unwavering commitment to his clients, Andrew Safranko continues to be a trusted advocate for individuals facing life-changing legal challenges throughout New York State.

asafranko@lslawny.com

Admitted to Practice:

• 2012 to Present Member of LaMarche Safranko Law
• 2006 to 2012 Member of O’Connell and Aronowitz, P.C, focusing on criminal defense, health care fraud and abuse, professional discipline, plaintiff’s personal injury and civil litigation.
• 2001 to 2006 Associate at O’Connell and Aronowitz, P.C
• 1998 to 2001 Associate at law firm of Stephen A. Safranko

Admitted to Practice:

• All New York state courts
• United States District Courts, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York
• United States District Court, District of Vermont
• United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Educational Highlights:

• Graduate of Albany Academy, Emory University and Albany Law School
• 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award from The Albany Academies
• Albany Law School Moot Court Competitions and Finance Chair

Selected Honors:

• The Best Lawyers in America^® (2010-2025)
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • DUI / DWI Defense
• New York Super Lawyers (2013-2025)
• 2020 Best Lawyers^® “Lawyer of the Year”
• Rated 10.0 by AVVO
• Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell
• Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report
• Top 100 Attorneys
• Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
• 2023 Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Pillars Award Recipient
• 2019 Troy Police Benevolent Association President’s Award
• Who’s Who Among American Law Students
• Entrepreneurs Organization, Albany Chapter

Memberships:

• New York State Bar Association
• Albany and Saratoga County Bar Associations
• Capital District and New York State Trial Lawyers Associations
• National and New York State Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• New York State Defenders Association

Community Activities:

• Board of Trustees, B’Nai B’Rith Housing Foundation
• Albany Academy Board of Trustees
• Past President Board of Trustees, Congregation Beth Emeth
• Continuing Legal Education Seminars
• Statewide Lecturer and Media Legal Expert

Presentations

• Empire State Weekly
• CLE: Jury Selection and Opening Statements in Federal Court-Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association
• Criminal Law Seminar-Albany Academy
• Criminal Law Primer-Albany Law School
• Criminal Procedure Update-Federation Of Bar Associations Fourth Judicial District
• Criminal Law Primer-Suny Albany
• Criminal Law Primer-Albany Law School
• Criminal Law Update-Albany County Bar Association
• Criminal Aspects pertaining to the Internet-Queensbury High School
• Criminal Defense for the Newly Admitted Attorney-Albany Law School