Lee Kindlon

Full Report

Key Points

• Lee Kindlon serves as the Albany County District Attorney, having assumed office on January 1, 2025, after defeating challenger Ralph Abramo in the November 2024 election.
• As a former defense attorney and founding partner of the Kindlon Law Firm, Kindlon has handled high-profile criminal cases but faces recent scrutiny over professional conduct in a client dispute.
• In 2012, during an earlier unsuccessful bid for the same office, Kindlon accepted campaign donations from executives at a merchant services firm with ties to high-risk industries like adult entertainment and online gambling, leading to questions about donor vetting.
• A May 2025 grievance committee ruling identified “professional misconduct” in Kindlon’s handling of a civil case for a Saratoga County couple, though they lost their appeal for fee repayment.
• Early in his term, Kindlon drew criticism for opposing aspects of Kalief’s Law and for appointing a communications director with a high salary, raising concerns about fiscal priorities.

Overview

Lee Kindlon is an Albany native and seasoned criminal defense attorney who became the Albany County District Attorney in January 2025. A graduate of Williams College and Albany Law School, he served as a Colonel and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Prior to his election, Kindlon co-founded the Kindlon Law Firm in Albany, where he represented clients in complex criminal matters, securing 75 trial verdicts over 18 years. His approach emphasizes pragmatic prosecution, drawing on defense experience to address issues like bail reform and public safety. Kindlon ran unsuccessfully for the DA position in 2012 against incumbent David Soares but won in 2024 on a platform focused on restoring order to the criminal justice system.

Allegations and Concerns

• In 2012, Kindlon’s campaign accepted at least $4,000 from executives at First Global Billing, a firm linked to processing for adult websites, online gambling, and offshore lending; LinkedIn associations vanished post-reporting, prompting Kindlon to defend the donors as legal local business owners while initially considering refunds.
• A March 2025 statement criticizing Kalief’s Law—discovery reform aimed at reducing wrongful convictions—drew condemnation from advocacy groups like Citizen Action of New York, who accused him of undermining protections for defendants.
• In a 2022 civil dispute, client Joseph Cascino alleged Kindlon’s firm failed to properly execute a retainer for a lawsuit against a town and state, leading to case dismissal; the matter was resolved in small claims court.
• Robert Dougal filed a 2023 federal suit claiming Kindlon, as his former defense counsel, mishandled representation in a criminal matter alongside co-counsel.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight Kindlon’s effectiveness in high-stakes cases. One Avvo client praised his handling of a dual-count first-degree criminal sexual assault charge: “He provided professional advice and great counsel and was able to get the charges dismissed.” As a firm, Kindlon Law Firm has been recognized with a 2025 Elite Lawyer award for Kindlon’s expertise.

Negative feedback centers on communication and value. A 2017 Yelp reviewer who paid $2,000 for representation in a straightforward case complained: “I ended up doing the research and calls myself… They took my money and did nothing.” Another client in the 2025 Saratoga couple’s dispute accused the firm of inadequate settlement handling, leading to premature litigation and a grievance filing.

Risk Considerations

Financial risks include potential fee disputes from past clients, as seen in the 2025 small claims appeal loss, which could strain firm resources if similar claims arise. Reputational risks stem from the professional misconduct finding and policy criticisms, potentially eroding public trust in his DA role—especially as a newcomer facing comparisons to predecessor Soares. Legal risks involve ongoing scrutiny from bar associations, with the grievance marking a formal reprimand that could escalate to suspension if patterns emerge. Operationally, high-profile staff hires like the $81,000 communications director have sparked fiscal accountability questions in a budget-constrained office.

Business Relations and Associations

Kindlon co-founded the Kindlon Law Firm, PLLC, in Albany, a boutique practice with over 100 years of collective experience in criminal defense; he likely maintains an advisory role post-election, though day-to-day operations are handled by partners. In 2012, his campaign ties to First Global Billing executives Michael and Joseph Carbonara (each donating $1,000+) raised flags due to the firm’s high-risk merchant processing; the brothers, both charged with DWI in 2012, reside locally. As DA, Kindlon collaborates with Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, who endorsed his 2024 run, and Marine Corps networks from his reserve service. No current controversial partnerships noted, but his firm’s client base in complex litigation implies associations with varied stakeholders in the Capital Region.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• The 2025 grievance against Kindlon for “professional misconduct” arose from a Schuylerville couple’s claim that his firm mishandled a property dispute settlement, seeking $5,000 in refunded fees; they won initially in small claims but lost on appeal in April 2025.
• No bankruptcy records or unpaid debts found; however, the Cascino matter (2022) involved allegations of retainer mishandling, resulting in a dismissed underlying suit and small claims resolution favoring Kindlon.
• Dougal’s 2023 federal complaint accused Kindlon of deficient representation in a criminal defense case, seeking damages for alleged negligence.
• As DA, no personal lawsuits, but office actions like the 2021 jail cell search ordered by predecessor Soares (sued in June 2025) indirectly taint the transition.

Risk Assessment Table