Thomas Perry Setser - NY Lawyer Profile

Thomas P. Setser, a seasoned Senior Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester location, boasts extensive courtroom expertise across a spectrum of litigation areas. With nearly two decades of experience, he has served as a military defense counsel, civilian advocate, and Assistant District Attorney. Prior to his tenure at Tully Rinckey, Thomas kickstarted his legal journey as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate, fulfilling roles as a military defense counsel, legal aid attorney, discipline officer, and brig officer during active duty. Transitioning to the reserves after his active duty stint, he also ran a successful solo legal practice. His dedication to service led him to a mobilization in the Middle East with the U.S. Navy before assuming the role of Assistant District Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Mississippi. Recalled to active duty, Thomas served as a legal advisor to a two-star command, followed by appointments as deputy Staff Judge Advocate and Staff Judge Advocate for a Joint Command overseeing detainee status reviews in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Throughout his career, Thomas has zealously defended Sailors and Marines in various military justice proceedings, ranging from Article 15 reviews to General Courts-Martial representation. He has adeptly handled administrative separation boards, served as an article 32 hearing officer, and provided expert counsel on investigations earmarked for Article 15, Courts-Martial, or administrative separation. Thomas has also trained officers as Summary Courts-Martial officers and acted as the recorder (prosecutor) for administrative separation boards. His vast expertise extends to advising multiple commands on military justice matters, Command investigations, ethics, and contractual issues.