Steven M. Raiser

Steven M. Raiser is the founding partner of Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein and a New York defense lawyer handling complex criminal and civil litigation. His practice includes high-stakes courtroom matters, investigations, and contested proceedings. He has defended clients in serious criminal cases and has served as co-defense counsel in prominent trials, including the defense of Daniel Penny, whose New York criminal case ended in an acquittal.

Raiser earned a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and also studied at Albany State University School of Criminal Justice. He later earned an M.A. in Political Science from American Military University. His legal and public-service background includes work as an Assistant District Attorney and service in the US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, providing experience with prosecution, military legal practice, and defense strategy.

Raiser’s prosecutorial work included matters involving public figures and serious criminal allegations. In private practice, he has handled criminal defense and civil litigation while drawing on experience from both sides of the courtroom. His military service included participation in combat operations, for which he received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He is admitted in New York and before the US Supreme Court.

Steven M. Raiser has maintained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has received additional professional recognition for litigation and public service. His practice is grounded in extensive courtroom preparation, strategic case analysis, and advocacy in difficult matters. He represents clients facing criminal accusations and complex civil disputes while applying experience gained as a prosecutor, military lawyer, and long-time defense counsel.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Past-President, Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• St. John’s University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• American Military University
  Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science

Awards & Badges