Kenneth J. Montgomery, PLLC

The Brooklyn Combine

• The Brooklyn Combine is a non-profit community organization co-founded by Kenneth.
• Its mission is to change the narrative, encourage critical thinking, and build community in underserved neighborhoods.
• The Combine partners with community organizations, schools, juvenile jails, educators, and others to provide educational and mentoring programs.

Programs and partnerships

The Brooklyn Combine has partnered with:

• Ember High School
• City Poly High School
• Mott Hall Bridges Academy
• One Love Community Fridge
• Jack Arts
• KAVI
• Brooklyn to Alaska
• Crossroads Juvenile Facility

Programs focus on:

• Education and mentoring for young people
• Community-building activities
• Addressing the social, political, and economic alienation in underserved communities

Philosophy

Kenneth's work with The Brooklyn Combine and the greater Brooklyn community informs his perspective as a criminal defense attorney. A long-term goal is to reduce the need for criminal defense by addressing root causes such as racism and poverty.

For more information about The Brooklyn Combine and its programs, visit the organization's own website or contact the firm for directions to additional resources.

Kenneth J. Montgomery, PLLC is a litigation-focused law firm with a primary emphasis on criminal defense in both federal and state courts.

Types of criminal cases handled

The firm has defended clients charged with serious offenses, including:

• Murder and federal capital murder
• Terrorism and narco-terrorism
• RICO and racketeering
• Conspiracy
• Robbery
• Firearm and weapons possession
• Sex crimes
• DWI
• Fraud and white-collar crimes
• Drug sales and drug possession
• Espionage
• Other serious federal and state crimes

Courts and jurisdictions

• Represents clients in federal and state courts in the Second Circuit and nationwide, with a focus on New York.
• Admitted to practice in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Southern District of New York (SDNY).
• Member of the Federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panels in both EDNY and SDNY, including the Capital CJA panels.

Trial experience and results

• Over 100 criminal trials litigated as both prosecutor and defense attorney.
• Over 60 not-guilty jury verdicts obtained as a criminal defense attorney.

Approach to representation

• Client-centered representation that recognizes the high stakes of criminal matters.
• Extensive experience with high-profile cases and complex federal prosecutions.

Note: Specific case outcomes mentioned on the website are examples of past results and do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.

• For general information about scheduling appointments and meeting with firm attorneys, use the contact form on the website or email/phone the office.
• Messages are reviewed and the firm will respond as soon as possible.

Languages

• The firm offers services in English.
• Spanish-speaking clients are welcome (se habla español).

Prosecutorial experience

While at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, experience included assignments in:

• Sex crimes unit
• Juvenile designated felony unit
• Grand jury and investigations
• Complaint room
• Violent Gang Bureau

Kenneth resigned from the District Attorney's Office in 2001.

Founding of the firm and litigation focus

• Founded his litigation firm in 2001.
• Over the last 25 years, has focused on criminal defense and complex litigation in both federal and state courts.
• Handles serious matters such as federal capital murder, RICO, conspiracy, narco-terrorism, white-collar crimes, terrorism, murder, drug and weapons offenses, sex crimes, espionage, and other major federal and state crimes.

Trial experience and professional roles

• Litigated over 100 criminal trials as both prosecutor and defense attorney.
• Obtained over 60 not-guilty jury verdicts as a criminal defense attorney.
• Member of the Federal CJA panels in both the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, including Capital panels.
• Former member of the federal death penalty working group in Washington, D.C. (DPGW).
• Serves on the Kings County Judiciary Committee.
• Currently serves as the Federal CJA representative in the Eastern District of New York.

Teaching and academic roles

• Served as a trial advocacy adjunct professor at Fordham Law School for 24 years.
• Taught in the African American Studies department at Brooklyn College.
• Currently teaches with his partners at the Brooklyn Combine at Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Community work and The Brooklyn Combine

• Founding member of The Brooklyn Combine, a non-profit community organization.
• The Combine partners with community organizations, schools, juvenile facilities, educators, and others to provide critical educational and mentoring programs.
• Partnerships include Ember High School, City Poly High School, Mott Hall Bridges Academy, One Love Community Fridge, Jack Arts, KAVI, Brooklyn to Alaska, and Crossroads Juvenile Facility.

Awards and recognition

• Recipient of the Honorable A. Kathleen Tomlinson Award (2023) for outstanding service to the Criminal Justice Act panel of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
• Inducted in 2026 as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, recognizing him as one of the most accomplished trial attorneys in the country.

Personal background

• Grew up in Brownsville and Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
• Married to Candace Montgomery; father of Stone, Jade, and Jett Montgomery.
• His work is inspired by his late parents, Barbara and Henry Montgomery, his ancestors, and the communities of Brooklyn and New York City.

Kenneth is widely regarded as a leading criminal trial attorney and litigator. Past results and recognition do not guarantee outcomes in any future matter.

• News coverage and commentary related to high-profile criminal cases and federal prosecutions.
• Appearances and commentary in television and radio programs discussing topics such as:
• High-profile homicide and federal drug cases.
• The intersection of rap/hip-hop and the legal system.
• The experiences of defendants navigating New York's criminal courts.
• Policing practices and community responses in Brooklyn.
• Participation in documentaries and podcast series that explore criminal justice issues and notable cases.

Purpose of media content

• Media features provide background and commentary on legal and social issues.
• They do not create an attorney–client relationship and should not be taken as legal advice for any specific case.

Individuals with legal questions or facing criminal charges should contact the firm directly rather than relying on media content for legal guidance.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.