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Heather Christiana Tenney

Military law Attorney at Albany, NY

4.9   15 reviews
  • Licensed for 16 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2007
    Status
    Due to Register within 30 Days of Birthday No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Heather

Learn Heather’s areas of practice.

Heather Tenney, Esq., LL.M. is a Partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s military law, federal employment, and national security law practice groups. She currently serves as the primary attorney for consultation in these areas. Heather brought her skills as an advocate and negotiator to Tully Rinckey after honorably serving with the US Army’s JAG Corps, and the results speak for themselves. At the firm, she focuses on military law; federal employment, EEO and discrimination litigation; disciplinary investigation and MSPB litigation, disability retirement, and national security clearance representation. Heather’s representation in national security and security clearance cases range from high-level military officers to covert operation officers of the CIA, NRO, FBI, DIA and a range of other intelligence agencies. Heather currently serves as Treasurer for the National Security Lawyers Association (NSLA).
Heather possesses years of experience representing officers and enlisted service members in complex legal matters, including courts-martial, adverse command actions against troops such as administrative separations, Article 15 matters, and other forms of non-judicial punishments. Additionally, Heather protects service members from employment discrimination by asserting their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. As a Veteran, Heather is uniquely positioned to advise veterans in achieving optimal outcomes on claims and appeals for benefits that they have earned from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She assists veterans in upgrading their discharges to honorable and helps ROTC cadets avoid losing their scholarships. She advises individuals with federal debt issues as well. Her knowledge of the federal government and the military allows her to also provide skilled representation in security clearance litigation, congressional and employment investigations, whistleblower retaliation, disability retirement, and other federal employment matters. Heather represents federal and private sector employees in investigations and cases in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Heather was an attorney and advisor with the U.S. Army Claims Service. There she supervised, investigated and determined the appropriate course of action for tort claims including medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, and property damage alleged against the U.S. Army under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), the Military Claims Act (MCA) and the Foreign Claims Act (FCA). Heather has insight that few attorneys possess regarding the way the military handles torts claims, which she uses to assist clients with their actions against the U.S. Government for damages.
Heather served as both a senior and trial defense counsel with the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service in Korea and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While with Trial Defense Service, she provided criminal and administrative legal services to a community of over 50,000 service members., representing and advising soldiers at all phases of trial and administrative hearings. Heather began her career as a prosecutor and legal aid attorney in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Heather obtained her juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University, where she graduated magna cum laude and was managing editor of the Albany Law Environmental Outlook Journal. She went on to receive her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in Trial Advocacy, where she graduated with honors. Heather also attended the University of Virginia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with distinction.

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Contact Heather

Tully Rinckey, PLLC
441 New Karner Rd
Albany, NY, 12205-3884

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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4 Star
 
7%
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Posted by Eric | September 26, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Consultation!
I had a bunch of issues going on and concerns about being medically retired from the military. Heather gave me solid advice about the process and strategies involved depending on the Boards recommendations. If you are a Service Member and have any legal questions you would like answered, I highly recommend booking a consultation with Heather Tenney!
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Posted by Eileen | June 2, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Federal EEO Complaint
Ms. Tenney promptly responded to my request for an initial consultation on my complaint and provided valuable guidance and insights on the EEO process for federal employees. In addition, her firm's team provided excellent assistance. However, due to her location outside of DC, I did not end up hiring her firm.
Posted by Jay | October 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
NROTC Scholarship case
We hired Heather approximately 18 months before a decision was made by the U.S. Navy. She argued our case very successfully over the course of that time and the decision the Navy made was a good as we could have hoped for. This successful outcome was all because of Heather. She was always avaliable to discuss our case and was a constant reminder that you should ALWAYS hire knowlegbiable, professional and experinced attorneys to represent you. Her firm specializes in matters involving the military and they are very good at what they do. I highly recommend them and I would never hesitate to use them again.
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Posted by Lauren | January 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Responsive and highly effective
Within 24 hours of hiring Heather, she had "stopped the bleeding" while we argued my case. She stayed persistent through 18 months of inaction on the other side and successfully defended my interests. I highly recommend her - she responsive, effective, and compassionate.
Posted by Jeremy | December 18, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Heather Tenney Review
Heather did a fantastic job in assisting me with any and all questions that I had. Always quick to respond, it was clear that Heather had a firm grasp and clear understanding of my situation and provided terrific legal counsel over the course of a few months. Would highly recommend Heather due to both her professionalism and clear knowledge of the law.
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Posted by Larry | November 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding service and gets results!!
Heather was my attorney when I was having issues with my clearance adjudication. Heather made herself available at times that were convenient for me and immediately went to work on my case. Heather compiled all of the evidence and created a packet that was to the point and professional. The DODCAF received the packet that Heather completed on a Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon, my clearance was adjudicated favorably. Without the assistance from Heather, her attention to detail, building a case, and knowledge of the DODCAF procedures the outcome could've been different. I highly recommend Heather for clearance questions or needs as she gets results fast.
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Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Peace of mind, outstanding outcome
Heather helped put my mind at ease after struggling to get answers from the government concerning their attempted action for an old and dubious claim of life-changing proportion. With her guidance, we successfully appealed the case, for which I'll forever be grateful. I have no doubt that her experience and the backing of her firm greatly facilitated this positive outcome.
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Posted by anonymous | October 9, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Cliente
Ms. Heather Tenney is a professional of the highest order. Her professionalism and understanding of military law and security clearance process is phenomenal. Ms. Tennney takes adequate time to listen, thoroughly evaluate and analyze the situation before developing a coherent plan of action. She is a true professional capable of assisting her clients navigating through difficult issues and achieving positive outcome.
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Posted by Marty | September 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Tentative and Reliable
My case was very important to me. Without her I would have lost my career in the military. I am forever grateful
Posted by Bob | August 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mission Accomplished
After a free consultation with Heather, I hired her to handle a matter that was many years past the normal statute of limitations for dealing with this problem. However, Heather said that there was another way to approach the matter and she felt there was a possibility of a finding in my favor. I decided to retain her and pursue the hoped for (no promises) end result. Heather and her staff were always available and quick to respond when I called. She prepared the case and exhibits promptly and well detailed for submission to the proper authority and made it clear to me that although she would do her best to speed up the process, it could take up to two years to get a ruling and then no guaranty that it would be in my favor. I am thrilled to say that after only 15 months and a number of additional consultations, the case has been completed with a ruling in my favor and well within the original quoted budget and retainer. Kudos to Heather and the firm! I am forever grateful and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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Posted by Susan | July 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Restoration of TS/SCI
Ms. Tenney expertly constructed a successful response to a Statement of Reasons for revocation of TS/SCI. She worked with me to assemble relevant information and presented a complete and compelling case. The revocation was cancelled within a week from receipt of my response prepared by Ms. Tenney.
Posted by Kelly | January 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Heather was very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire matter.
Posted by Debbie | October 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Employment Military Law Attorney
Outstanding work for my complicated discrimination case from being terminated while on military orders. She kept it real as to what to expect throughout the process and was there to talk through all issues including civilian employment search obstacles. Highly recommend her as a personable attorney that made a very personal and painful period of my life less harsh.
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Posted by Angel | June 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped me get back to work!
Quick responses with thorough professional advice. Very caring and well versed in the both the UCMJ and employment laws. Gave me hands on training on how to approach my legal issues in job interviews. Highly skilled in using appropriate language in legal documents. Helped me secure a notable profession with a Federal Agency after tirelessly working to mitigate my legal troubles. I highly recommend this Attorney at Law.
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Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
USCG
Heather Tenney represented me during a trying period. She was professional, steady, and meticulous. She was able to filter a lot of the nonsense and paint a clearer picture. I am happy with her services and highly recommend hiring her to protect your interests.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 200-400 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner, Military and National Security Law
  • Tully Rinckey, PLLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Tort Claims Attorney
  • U.S. Army
  • 2013 - 2016
  • Senior Defense Counsel
  • U.S. Army
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Trial Defense Attorney
  • U.S. Army
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • U.S. Army
  • 2008 - 2010
View all work experience

Education

  • Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws Honor Graduate
  • 2015
  • Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
  • Certification-
  • 2007
  • Albany Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor Magna Cum Laude
  • 2006
  • University of Virginia
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts With Distinction
  • 2002
View all education

Legal Cases

  • In re Kuenzle
  • Client able to separate without recoupment of $200,000+
  • MANDWELLE v. MANDWELLE

Associations

  • National Security Lawyers Association
  • Treasurer
  • 2022 - Present
  • Capital District Women's Bar Association
  • 2017 - Present
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Judge Advocates Association
  • 2013 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association
  • 2007 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Employee of the Month
  • Tully Rinckey PLLC
  • 2020
  • Employee of the Month
  • Tully Rinckey PLLC
  • 2017
  • Meritorious Service Medal
  • United States Army
  • 2016
  • Excellence in Federal Career
  • Federal Executive Board of Baltimore
  • 2016
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • United States Army
  • 2013
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • United States Army
  • 2012
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • United States Army
  • 2010
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • United States Army
  • 2008
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • WEBINAR
  • Federal Employment and legal consultation
  • 2022
  • Military Practice Group Meeting
  • Feres doctrine and FTCA
  • 2019
  • Veterans Law Day
  • Veterans Legal Matters
  • 2018
  • Temple LLM On boarding week
  • Trial Advocacy
  • 2016
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (21)
Given (26)
Endorse Heather
Unknown Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is an excellent attorney devoted to ensuring clients receive the best advice possible. My strongest endorsement."
Military law Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I endorse Heather. Heather is one of the most zealous advocates I have supervised. She is agressive in her representation while also showing her compasion for her clients through difficult times. I highly recommend retaining Heather for your military or federal employment matter."
Military law Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"When I first started working with Heather, she was my go-to source of military related questions. Her substantive knowledge was unmatched by any attorney I've met. Over the last several years I've worked with her in Labor and Employment law and I was amazed at the speed in which she learned a complicated area of law. Not only is she one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I've met, but her zealous representation of her clients is unmatched. I would strongly recommend Heather to anyone looking for an attorney to zealously advocate for what is right."
Military law Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Exceptional counselor; thoughtful in her approved and dead-on in her assessments."
Military law Attorney | Mar 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is an excellent attorney with a phenomenal grasp of military and security clearance law. Her experience and determination have resulted in excellent results for her clients. I thoroughly endorse her."
Military law Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is an expert in the field of military law. She has represented clients in nearly every aspect of military law, spending countless hours protecting the rights of Service Members and Veterans. She is hardworking and diligent, and she unequivocally has my endorsement."
Employment and labor Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is an outstanding lawyer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in employment and national security matters. She genuinely cares about her cients, and I strongly endorse her."
Military law Attorney | Nov 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather can quickly assess a case and move forward aggressively. She has consistently excellent results, even in the most challenging cases."
Military law Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is very knowledgeable in the field of military law, and is an extremely client-focused and results-driven advocate for her clients. I recommend her without reservation."
Military law Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is a detailed and skilled attorney. An experienced litigator, she works diligently for her clients to reap the most positive results."
Military law Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather focuses on Client goals to zealously represent her Clients on all aspects of military and national security clearance matters."
Military law Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is a zealous advocate with a wealth of experience and skill. She will work tirelessly for her clients to achieve results."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is one of the few attorneys who can legitimately say they have outstanding legal experience in litigation. Having been involved in literally hundreds of hearings, and with a LLM in Trial Advocacy, I would highly recommend Heather for any legal needs. A truly valued member of the Tully Rinckey law firm."
Military law Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Heather is on of the finest, hardest working attorneys it is my pleasure to know. Her hard work translates into consistently outstanding results for her clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
Military law Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Heather is tenacious, aggressive, smart and her tactical wisdom is brilliant. I highly recommend her for military law and federal labor and employment law and security clearance cases. She is passionate, ethical, determined and zealous. I strongly trust her sage wisdom and keen intellect to assist clients in overcoming all obstacles."
Military law Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather provided crucial insight and guidance on a particularly tough case with tough circumstances. Her input was invaluable."
Military law Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Heather Christina Tenney is prompt, thorough, and dedicated to her clients. I would recommend her services to anyone looking for representation in a military law matter."
Military law Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"Heather is a proactive and attentive attorney. She relies on her vast military experience to aggressively seek the best possible outcome for each of her clients. Heather is a pleasure to work with. Without reservation, I endorse this attorney."
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Employment and labor
Military law
Military law
Military law
Military law
Employment and labor
Military law
Military law
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Military law
Military law
Military law
Employment and labor