Thomas A. Kenniff
Thomas A, Kenniff is a founding partner of Raiser & Kenniff, P.C. and popular television legal analyst. He specializes in representing individuals accused of criminal offenses.
Tom's legal experience is impressive in both its breadth and diversity. Prior to founding Raiser & Kenniff, P.C., Tom served as an Assistant District Attorney in one of the metropolitan area's most prestigious district attorney's offices. While serving as an Assistant D.A. Tom successfully prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and earned a reputation as a talented trial attorney. As former District Attorney and popular television personality Jeanine Pirro put it, "We're all fans of Tom" (27 Apr 2005, NY Post).
Tom is also a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard's Judge Advocate General's Corps and a veteran of the current war in Iraq, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal and the Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his outstanding service in a combat zone. "Captain Kenniff" spent ten months in Tikrit, Iraq during 2005, serving as a Chief Legal Assistance Officer for the storied 42nd Infantry Division. While in Iraq Tom represented soldiers charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, giving him the unique perspective that comes with having tried cases in both civilian and military courtrooms. Currently he holds the title of Chief of Military Justice, supervising all criminal prosecutions involving New York Army National Guard soldiers.
Before serving as an Assistant District Attorney and JAG Officer, Tom started his law career as an associate at one on the world's largest multinational law firms, where he represented a host of large corporations in the most complex of litigations.
Some of Tom's high profile criminal cases have drawn international media attention, and Tom has been featured in the NY Post, Newsday, USA Today and many other major publications.
Many of us know Tom from his frequent television appearances on Fox News Channel, CNN and other major news outlets, where he's often seen commenting on high profile criminal cases. But don't let the fame fool you. Tom has built his reputation as a leading defense attorney not only with zealous advocacy but also with the compassion and respect he shows each of his clients, regardless of whether they are charged with a simple misdemeanor or a major felony.
Tom is a graduate of the University of Rochester, B.A., and Hofstra University School of Law, J.D. He is a member of both the New York City, Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the National College of DUI Defense, the Columbian Lawyers and the Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association. He is a recipient of the distinguished New York State Bar Association's Award for Excellence in Public Service. He lives in New York City and is the father of an eight year old daughter. When not practicing law, Tom enjoys writing and competing in ice hockey.