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also known as Thomas M. Kernan, Tom Kernan
A seasoned attorney with more than two decades of diverse experience across private practice and in-house counsel settings, Tom joined RLGC Law Group in January 2026.
Tom counsels individuals, families and closely held businesses in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, trust administration, business formation, business succession planning, commercial transactions, employment law compliance, and residential real estate. An empathetic and conscientious attorney, Tom brings a calm, genuine, and client-centered approach to the practice of law. Tom is committed to providing high quality, personalized and caring service to clients throughout the greater Capital-Saratoga Region.
Tom received his J.D., summa cum laude, from Albany Law School, where he was salutatorian of his graduating class and Director of the Moot Court Board. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Bard College. Following his graduation from law school, Tom completed a two-year clerkship on the Central Legal Research Staff of the New York Court of Appeals. After completing his judicial clerkship, Tom spent the next decade in private practice, representing clients in a wide array of matters including estate planning, estate and trust administration, commercial transactions, residential real estate, employment matters, and matrimonial matters. Most recently, Tom worked for more than a decade as Vice President & General Counsel for a company in the healthcare workforce and technology space. In this role, Tom negotiated and drafted a wide array of commercial agreements, oversaw regulatory compliance and corporate governance, and worked to mitigate organizational risk. As part of his responsibilities, Tom oversaw human resources compliance for the organization, earning his SPHR® certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.
A lifelong learner, Tom is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in Elder Law and Estate Planning from Western New England University School of Law. Tom is a member of Trusts and Estates, Business Law, and Corporate Counsel sections of the New York State Bar Association.
Tom previously served on the board of Caffè Lena and as Chairman of the Health Section Policy Council for the American Staffing Association.
5
Practice Areas
21 years
16 years
15 years
23 years | 125 cases
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$0 first 45 minutes
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
29 British American Blvd,, Latham, NY, 12110
4 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Peter and Lisa DiLillo | October 14, 2009
Thomas Kernan Esq for Mr and Mrs Peter DiLillo Jr.
Thomas Kernan is an outstanding lawyer. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. He researches all case law and was always up to speed on our case. His prepared written documents were impeccable. He provided well guided information thoughout our case. Day or night, Tom was always there for us.
Posted by LIsa | October 09, 2009
Thomas M. Kernan
I have had the pleasure of knowing Thomas Kernan for many years. He has always been a very trustworty and knowledgeable friend/attorney. He never made me feel rushed or like I was wasting his time. He did a through job with my legal matters and continues to help me with my questions, always in a pr...
"Tom is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of trust, estates, and wills. He has been appointed as a guardian ad litem by several surrogates courts in upstate New York. He is highly respected by both clients, advisory attorneys, and judges in upstate New York. I highly recommend his services to all those seeking advice/counsel in these areas."
"Tom and I have worked together on a number of complex matters. As a former clerk at the NYS Court of Appeals, it is no surprise that Tom is a very intelligent and ethical attorney. I have enjoyed working with Tom in the past and hope to work with him again in the future."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Lawsuits and disputes lawyer
2015
AV Preeminent Rated 4.7 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
National Order of the Barristers, Albany Law School
2003
Justinian Society, Albany Law School
2003
Salutatorian, Class of 2003, Albany Law School
2003
Finalist, Morse Negotiations Competition, Albany Law School
2003
Highest achievement in Trusts and Estates, Albany Law School
2003
Highest achievement in Family Law, Albany Law School
2003
Highest achievement in Procedure, Albany Law School
2002
Member, Constitutional Law Appellate Advocacy Team, Albany Law School
2002
Executive Director, Albany Law School Moot Court Board
2015 - Present
Vice President and General Counsel, Stat Staff Professionals, Inc.
2012 - 2015
Attorney, Berger & Kernan, P.C.
2011 - 2012
Attorney, The Murray Law Firm, PLLC
2005 - 2011
Attorney, Crane, Parente & Cherubin
2003 - 2005
Senior Court Attorney, New York State Court of Appeals
2001 - 2001
Legal Intern in Grand Jury Unit and Major Offense Unit, Albany County District Attorney's Office
2012 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2011 - Present
Saratoga County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
New York State Office of Court AdministrationCertified Guardian Ad Litem
2008 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Law SectionMember
2004 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2014
Avendale Homeowners Association, Inc.Director and Corporate Secretary
2008 - 2011
New York State Bar Association, Elder Law SectIonMember
2006 - 2011
Albany County Bar AssociationMember
Settled case on favorable terms for client
Successfully obtained court order
Administered and judically settled estate
Successfully probated will and administered estate
Successfully obtained preliminary injunction
Secured permanent injunction
Favorable settled in October 2011
Concluded estate administration
Successful appeal resulting in modification of Supreme Court order
2003
J.D., summa cum laude
2000
B.A.
2015
No-Fault Divorce in New York
2014
Modification and Enforcement of Maintenance and Child Support Obligations
2014
No-Fault Divorce, Temporary Maintenance and Attorney's Fees
2013
Divorce and Estate Planning
2013
No-Fault Divorce, Temporary Maintenance and Pendente Lite Attorneys Fees
2013
Trusts and Estates Law Seminar
2009
Wills; Trusts; Health Care Proxies; Powers of Attorney
2009
Wills; Trusts; Health Care Proxies; Powers of Attorney
2008
Wills; Trusts; Health Care Proxies; Powers of Attorney
2007
English
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