William O. Wagstaff III is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, reform advocate, and public servant whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity drives both his courtroom work and his community leadership. As Principal of The Wagstaff Firm, P.C., he leads a practice focused on Civil Rights Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Municipal Law, representing clients in some of the region’s most high-profile and socially significant matters.

As a skilled trial lawyer, Mr. Wagstaff has developed and executed litigation strategy from jury selection through post-trial proceedings. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where he graduated second in his class—an achievement that enhances his analytical precision and negotiation acumen.

Mr. Wagstaff currently serves as Special Prosecutor for the City of Mount Vernon, overseeing police-disciplinary prosecutions and advancing accountability and transparency in local government. In addition, he is a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights – New York Advisory Committee, contributing to federal-level civil-rights research and state policy recommendations.

Mr. Wagstaff has represented families in several nationally covered civil rights cases, including the $2.25 million settlement with New York City for the death of Brandon Rodriguez, who died in custody at Rikers Island, and the family of Maurice Gordon Jr., who was killed by a New Jersey State Trooper. His advocacy has been featured in The New York Times, New York Law Journal, and on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and NBC.

Mr. Wagstaff has served as Special Counsel to multiple elected officials and municipal bodies—including Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard—advising on matters of policy reform, ethics, and community engagement. He has also been a Member of the Mount Vernon Police Reform Commission and is currently Chair of the Mayor’s Judicial Appointment Committee.

In 2024, Mr. Wagstaff made history as the first Black candidate for Westchester County District Attorney, running on a platform of data-driven reform, fairness, and investment in the root causes of crime. His campaign and reform message earned national attention, including appearances on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club and Earn Your Leisure, and recognition by City & State New York, which named him among its 2024 Trailblazers in Law.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Wagstaff serves on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, chairs the African American Men of Westchester Mentoring Committee, and is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He has mentored youth through the Guide Right Kappa League Mentoring Program and continues to champion opportunities for young people.