Hit By Tax Liens, 40-Year Town Attorney Takes Leave From Law Firm

For 40 years, Edwin Shoemaker served as town attorney for Somerset, N.Y.

But now, reportedly facing as much as $100,000 or more in federal and state tax liens, he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his law firm, Andrews Pusateri Brandt Shoemaker & Roberson, according to the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal and Buffalo News.

Although partner Robert Roberson plans to continue representing the town, officials say they are considering making other arrangements for legal representation, the Lockport newspaper article continues. However, several other towns represented by the law firm are happy with its work and do not plan changes.

The newspaper says the town drastically reduced its payments to the firm from about $600,000 in 2006 to about $60,000 in 2008.