Thomas (“Tom”) Kearney is a Partner in HDRB&B’s Criminal Defense and Litigation Departments and a veteran trial attorney with nearly three decades of courtroom experience. Known for his skill in navigating complex, high stakes matters, Tom brings to his practice a rare, insider’s perspective honed during his years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey and as an Assistant Prosecutor in Bergen County. His work also spans commercial litigation, employment disputes, and internal investigations.
Over the course of his career, Tom has tried more than 50 cases to verdict. At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he served in the Special Prosecutions Division, the National Security Unit, and the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit. His work included conducting and leading complex white-collar investigations involving political corruption, tax, bank, wire, insurance, and disability fraud, as well as embezzlement and civil rights violations. While in the National Security Unit, he handled domestic and transnational terrorism matters and coordinated multi-agency task forces, wiretaps, and undercover operations. He also successfully tried numerous federal cases involving racketeering, police corruption, murder-for-hire, money laundering, and large-scale narcotics trafficking, many of which drew regional and national attention.
Earlier in his career, Tom tried and supervised serious criminal matters in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, earning the respect of judges, law enforcement, and fellow attorneys alike. His extensive prosecutorial experience now serves his clients on the defense side, giving him an unmatched ability to anticipate government strategy, identify weaknesses in a case, and craft proactive, strategic defenses.
Tom is known for his vigorous advocacy in the courtroom and his steady, empathetic counsel outside of it. He understands that litigation, particularly criminal defense, often represents a moment of personal and professional crisis. Drawing on decades of experience, and a lifelong competitive drive sharpened as a collegiate athlete (Yale University football player), he works tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights.
A graduate of Yale University and Seton Hall University School of Law, Tom began his career as a law clerk to the Hon. James T. Murphy of the Superior Court of New Jersey. His distinguished public service has earned multiple commendations from the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Outside his practice, Tom is actively involved in the community through The Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County, the Yale Football Association, and the Ignatian Spirituality Project.