Thomas A. Kenniff

Thomas A. Kenniff is a founding partner of Raiser & Kenniff, PC, where he leads a prominent practice focused on criminal defense, personal injury, and complex litigation. Known for handling high-profile and precedent-setting cases, Thomas has successfully defended clients in federal, state, and military courts across the country.

Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law after completing his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Rochester. Thomas also attended the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Admitted to the New York Bar in 2001, his academic and legal foundation informs his tenacious courtroom advocacy.

Thomas gained national attention for defending Marine veteran Daniel Penny, winning an acquittal in a high-profile homicide trial that helped redefine the national debate on self-defense. He has secured similar results in other major criminal cases, including successfully defending a homeowner accused of murder after using deadly force to protect his family from an intruder.

Before founding his firm, Thomas served as an Assistant District Attorney under Jeanine Pirro and worked at a top multinational law firm. He also served as a Major in the U.S. Army National Guard JAG Corps, where he supervised legal defense for soldiers and earned the Army Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in Iraq.

Thomas A. Kenniff regularly appears on FOX News, CNN, and 770AM WABC to provide legal commentary, and his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. His accolades include a listing in Best Lawyers in America and a Superb rating on Avvo. He received the New York State Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.

A committed advocate for veterans, Thomas serves on the board of Operation Heal Our Heroes. Through his civilian and military service, he exemplifies unwavering dedication to justice and public service inside and outside the courtroom.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Raiser & Kenniff, PC
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Hofstra University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Rochester
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges