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Thomas Perry Setser

Tully Rinckey PLLC

26 years of experience
Military Law, Securities Law
Mississippi, New York

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Biography

Thomas P. Setser, a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, possesses extensive courtroom experience in all matters of litigation, having served the last 19 years as a military defense counsel, civilian counsel and Assistant District Attorney.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, Thomas began his legal career as U. S. Navy Judge Advocate, where he served on active duty as a military defense counsel, legal assistance attorney, discipline officer and brig officer. Upon leaving active duty, he opened his own legal practice as a solo practitioner and continued his military service as a Navy Reservist. After a one-year mobilization with the U. S. Navy to the middle East, Thomas served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Mississippi until he was recalled to active duty where he served as the legal advisor to a two-star command. Upon completion of his orders, Thomas served as the deputy Staff Judge Advocate and then selected to serve as the Staff Judge Advocate to a Joint Command tasked with managing the process for reviewing the status of the detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Thomas has served as military defense counsel representing Sailors and Marines at all stages of military justice from Article 15 review to General Courts-Martial representation. He has represented service members at numerous administrative separation boards and has been appointed as an article 32 hearing officer. Thomas has reviewed and provided advice on countless investigations for referral to Article 15 (Captain’s Mast or Office Hours), Courts-Martial and/or administrative separation. He has trained officers to serve as Summary Courts-Martial officers and has represented Commands as the recorder (prosecutor) to administrative separation boards. Thomas has advised multiple commands on military justice, Command investigations, ethics and contracts.

Practice Areas

Military Law: Veteran's Benefits

Securities Law

Fees

Credit Cards Accepted

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Mississippi

New York

Northern and Southern Federal District Courts of Mississippi

Languages

English: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Senior Associate: Tully Rinckey PLLC; 2018 - Current; Representing and advising clients in all facets of Military law including Courts-martial, administrative separation boards, medical and physical evaluation boards, article 15 reviews, complaints against Commanding Officers (art. 138 complaints) and more.

Staff Judge Advocate: U.S. Navy; 2016 - 2018; Provides legal and ethics advice to a senior level organization on matters involving national security.

Deputy Judge Advocate: U.S. Navy; 2015 - 2016; Provides legal advice to a Senior level command on matters involving national security.

Attorney: U.S. Navy; 2012 - 2015; Provide legal and ethics advice to two star command. My day to day responsibilities are similar to that of an in-house counsel for a corporation. Ethics advice covers the gambit from gift acceptance, travel, political involvement, use of government computers, gambling, etc. Legal advice covers personnel issues, contracts, document review and international law and rules of engagement as it effects mission work.

Assistant District Attorney: Ninth Judicial District of MS; 2011 - 2012; I prosecuted felony cases such as child sexual assault, aggravated assault, and armed robbery. Presented property crimes to grand jury. Represented the District Attorney's office on the 9th Judicial District Drug Court board.

Attorney: Self-Employed; 2004 - 2010; I had a general practice. I advised clients on criminal and civil litigation. I represented clients in contract disputes, domestic relation issues, felony and misdemeanor trials, employment discrimination cases, and administrative hearings. I facilitated clients with business incorporation and management, including contract negotiations.

Judge Advocate: U.S. Navy; 1999 - 2003; Represented active duty personnel in all stages of the military justice system and administrative boards. Provided free legal advice on a plethera of civil legal issues including estate planning to active duty members, retirees and their dependents. I was the discipline officer and brig officer for an aircraft carrier that when deployed contains 5500 Sailors. I advised the commanding officer on military justice, represented the command at administrative hearings, answered congressional inquiries and acted as department head when the legal officer was on travel or leave.