Serious criminal charges call for serious legal advocacy. Choose defenders that are qualified to fight for you.
About
Natey's practice includes traffic matters, criminal trials, and appeals in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas, and occasionally further away in Virginia. She also handles select family law and personal injury matters. A natural authority in the courtroom, Natey is as gifted at putting the government’s evidence to the test in nuanced cases like blood-draw DUIs as she is at humanizing her clients before the judges and juries who decide their fates. She has prevailed in nearly all manner of criminal cases and developed a reputation among her clients and peers as a talented and fearless yet likable advocate.
Natey is no stranger to adversity and is comfortable making high stakes decisions. As a child she walked with her parents from their home in the Republic of the Congo to a refugee settlement in Benin, West Africa. Her family then settled in Nashville, Tennessee, and never stopped contributing to the lives around them as so many people had for them. A graduate of Rhodes College and the Washington & Lee School of Law, Natey’s mind and heart naturally led her first to serve as a public defender in Fredericksburg. Word spread quickly about Natey’s skill and the people seeking a public defender would frequently ask the court for her by name. Seeking to hone her skills in discovery and motions practice, Natey then took work from a prestigious Northern Virginia firm, handling civil litigation matters. To Natey, there really is no substitute for working with people every day to protect their future and their rights, and ensure the criminal justice system functions fairly.
Natey has structured her practice to allow her the privilege of accepting appointments by the courts when the Office of the Public Defender cannot help. Everyone is entitled to vigorous defense and Natey is fortunate enough to be positioned to contribute.
Admissions:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2024
Virginia State Bar, 2021
Education:
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerkship, 2020-2021
Washington and Lee University School of Law, J.D., 2020
Rhodes College, B.A. (cum laude), 2017
Community Service:
Legal Aid Works Board of Directors
Awards & Memberships
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Strategic & Tactical Defense for Criminal Charges
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did you choose a career in criminal Law?
Before I went to law school I worked at a law firm, delivering paperwork to other offices and researching title for real estate transactions. One of the attorneys took on a case defending Joe (not his real name) on a charge of robbery from a motel. The firm was not one that typically took on criminal cases, but for some reason, they took Joe's.
I was intrigued and convinced by the boss to let me work the case: finding and interviewing potential witnesses, serving subpoenas, and discussing the defense as he developed it. I got to watch the trial and was hooked from there - I never wanted to do anything other than try cases in court.
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What sets you apart from other criminal defense attorneys?Bailiffs and court reporters, prosecutors, police officers, and sheriff's deputies have hired me to represent their loved ones. These are the people who see all local trial lawyers in their element, and they place their trust in me. While I am honored anytime someone recommends me to their friends and families, I believe these specific referrals showcase exactly how well I do my job.
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How does your experience benefit your clients?I have over 11 years of legal experience in criminal law, both as a defense attorney and as a former prosecutor. Experience allows me to predict opportunities and pitfalls in your case. Knowing the personalities involved (Judges, prosecutors, officers, etc.) lets me share that intelligence with you so that you can have better ideas of what to do next.
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How do you prepare for a difficult case?I strive to remove all assumptions from my brain when I first get involved. I try to understand exactly what the prosecutor thinks happened and exactly what the prosecutor can prove. By gathering as much information as I can about what is available to the prosecution - and what isn't - I can then satisfy myself with research on potential legal defenses. I then move on to the most rewarding portion of trial preparation: developing factual defenses. To truly understand the risks and potential rewards of trial, every bit of "lawyer" needs to exit my brain. I become Andy the Juror instead of Andy the Lawyer. When I can see the case for what it is and hear the argument without a word of legalese, I know how best to proceed.
For more than 17 years, Attorney Andy Cornick has devoted his career to the practice of criminal law. He has defended clients accused of DUI/DWI, first-degree murder, and many other crimes. As a former prosecutor with experience on the other side of the courtroom, he pursues each case with an unmatched upper hand.
"MY GOAL IS TO EMPOWER MY CLIENTS. I take great pride working within the system to prevent miscarriages of justice whenever I can." - Andrew J. Cornick
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Cornick Ndlovu, PLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Highly Recommended!"Exceptional Legal Representation - Highly Recommended! I had the privilege of working with Attorney Andy Cornick, and I am extremely impressed by his legal expertise and dedication. I enlisted his services to handle my son's DUI case, and I am grateful for the positive outcome he achieved. From the start, Attorney Cornick demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal system and effectively communicated the complexities of my son's case. He took the time to listen to our concerns, providing honest and thorough answers that eased my worries. Throughout the process, Attorney Cornick remained highly responsive and kept us informed of the progress. His attention to detail and meticulous preparation were evident in his approach. He worked diligently to protect my son's rights and ensure a fair outcome. Thanks to Attorney Cornick's expertise and strategic guidance, my son's DUI charge was dismissed. This favorable result has allowed him to move forward without the burden of a criminal record. I confidently recommend Attorney Andy Cornick to anyone seeking legal representation. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine concern for his clients make him an exceptional lawyer. If you are in need of a skilled attorney who will go above and beyond, look no further than Attorney Andy Cornick.- Jennifer J.