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Thomas Arthur Kenniff
also known as Tom Kenniff, Thomas Kenniff
About Thomas
Biography
As a former New York Assistant District Attorney and ARMY JAG Officer, my experience in criminal law and tax matters is both extensive and diverse. Unlike many "general practitioners" my practice is devoted exclusively to defending those accused of criminal offenses and those facing IRS Collection efforts. I have handled the most complex cases and tried dozens to verdict. I appear regularly as a legal commentator on Fox News Channel and CNN, and my cases have received national and international coverage.
I believe what differentiates me from other attorneys is the individual attention and compassion I show to my clients. I take a special pride in being the lone voice for individuals facing the powerful machinations of the criminal justice system or the IRS. There is nothing more satisfying than a former client contacting me, months or years after their case is concluded, to tell me of the better times they now find themselves in.
I have fulltime offices in both Manhattan and Long Island, and I handle criminal cases throughout the metropolitan area, and in all military jurisdcitions.
When not practicing law I enjoy playing ice hockey, exercising, and spending time with family.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 25 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Raiser & Kenniff, P.C.
87 Walker Street, New York, NY, 10013
Raiser & Kenniff, P.C.
300 Old Country Road, Suite 351, Mineola, NY, 11501
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Thomas Arthur Kenniff's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 106 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Keith Sullivan | January 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
One of the best!
I was blessed to have Mr. Kenniff represent me in a nightmare self defense case in Alabama. Despite having only three weeks to prepare, he became a leader within my team and his statesmanlike demeanor quickly won over the judge and court watchers. Tom is a just, moral family man, and this is evide...
Posted by Mary Lynn | April 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Caring, professional advocate
Mr. Kenniff is top notch--he is competent, responsive and genuinely strived for the best outcome. Mr. Kenniff is the attorney whom attorneys retain, and he represents the best qualities of our profession. He represented a family member in the Navy and exceeded expectations. The support staff w...
Posted by Mike | August 13, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent attorney
Tom Kenniff represented a friend's son in a complicated and long drawn out case in which he was innocent, but the odds were stacked against him. I was called as a character witness. Tom and his staff explained the law to me in layman's terms, prepped me well for the trial and handled all aspects of...
Posted by Miah | July 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer you can have!!
My wife hired Mr. Kenniff to defend me for my federal - bribery trial. Mr. Kenniff was poised from the start all the way to the end. He knew the facts and refused to settle for anything less than the best possible outcome! Not only is he an incredible attorney, he is very empathetic, relatable, and ...
Posted by Alexi | March 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Managing Director
Attentive. Excellent grasp on the law and legal processes. Tons of trial experience. Very honest. Most lawyers will yes you to death then walk you into a plea deal. Tom is the exact opposite. He ain’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and take it to trial. I do not hesitate to recommend him!!!
Thomas Arthur Kenniff's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Kenniff is a tireless and dedicated criminal defense attorney who cares about his clients. Highly recommend!."
"Tom knows the New York City criminal justice system well. He has great instincts and is a dedicated advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tom is in court on a daily basis, and does not hesitate to take on "unwinnable" cases. He is a hardworking, loyal advocate who gets results for his clients."
"Attorney Kenniff is a dedicated, highly-skilled lawyer well-respected within the legal community. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tom Kenniff is always a pleasure to work with. He is a skilled white-collar criminal defense lawyer, well known for his many appearances on cable news. Tom has terrific instincts, thinks quickly and advocates clearly.He is compassionate and the client's interests always come first. I am pleased to recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is an excellent attorney and an asset to the profession."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse him highly. Talented trial lawyer. Well prepared, focused, knowledgeable about the law and procedural issues, cares about his client, and effective in his representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is extremely experienced and very compentent in all areas of criminal law."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Court Officers "Amicus" Attorney Award, NYS Fraternal Organization of Court Officers
2010
Ranked Top 10 DUI Lawyer in Northeast, Arrive Magazine
2009
Army Achievement Medal, US Army
2006
Distinguished Public Service Award, New York State Bar Association
2006
Meritorious Service Medal, US Army
2006
Medal for Merit, State of New York
2005
Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army
2005
Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, US Army
1997
High Distinction Award, University of Rochester, Department of History
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Founding Partner, Raiser & Kenniff, P.C.
2004 - 2005
JAG (Active Duty), US Army JAG Corps
2002 - 2006
Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office
2000 - 2002
Attorney, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker
Associations
2015 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMilitary Law Committee
2010 - Present
New York County Criminal Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2008 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2008 - Present
Columbian Lawyers Association, 1st DeptMember
2008 - Present
Cocktails for CharityBoard of Directors
2007 - Present
Brooklyn Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Queens County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Nassau Criminal Court's Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Nassau County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
New York City BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People of the State of New York v Anonymous
Not Guilty on all criminal counts
People of the State of New York v (client's name protected)
Not Guilty
People of the State of New York v (client name protected)
dismissal
Education
2012
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
Judge Advocate Officers Advanced Course
2004
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
Officer's Basic Course 164th (JAG)
2000
Hofstra University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1997
University of Rochester
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
US ARMY Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy Cource, Boulder, CO
Defending Sexual Assault Cases (Facilitator)
2017
How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted
The Admissibility of Electronic Evidence at Trial
2017
Army National Guard JAG Corps Trial Defense Services Combined Regional Trainning Conference
Defending Drug Cases
2016
Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy Course
Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy (Facilitator)
2011
Studio B with Shepard Smith
Defending Political Corruption Cases
2011
Studio B with Shepard Smith
Analyzing Public Schools Rights to seek to Prosecute Students Criminally
2011
Geraldo at Large
Analyzing the most significant Criminal Cases iof 2010
2010
42nd Infantry Division Legal Conference
Rules of Engagement and Law of War
Publications
2009
2008
Newsday
Community reflects on Nassau County DWI "Wall of Shame"
2008
Washington Post
Ft. Hood: Crime in the Military. What Motive?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a first offense/misdemeanor non violent crime include jail time. If so how to avoid prison and a criminal record. im over 18
28 Dec 2011
Q&A
How many times can a criminal case be adjourned while the person is also being remanded ?
02 Jan 2012
Q&A
If i plead guilty by mail for a public urination charge will this go on a criminal record.
17 Dec 2011
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
THE ARRAIGNMENT PROCESS IN NEW YORK CITY
31 Mar 2015
Legal Guide
Received a Pink Summons for Public Urination in NYC?
16 Apr 2011
Legal Guide
The Ins and Outs of the Marijuana ACD in NYC
16 Apr 2011