Mr. Michael James Kavanagh, Private Law Practice

Michael is an associate in the law firm of Mainetti, Mainetti & O'Connor, P.C.  Michael graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology in 1993 and graduated from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1998.  While at Fordham University Michael played Division One College Baseball.

Upon graduating from Law School Michael accepted a job with the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office where he served as an Assistant District Attorney until 2006.  During his time with the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Michael gained experience as a Trial Attorney prosecuting cases involving every facet of criminal law from Driving While Intoxicated charges to Homicides.  After three and a half years in the District Attorney's Office, Michael was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney and assigned to the Felony Narcotics Bureau where he was responsible for prosecuting Drug Trafficking cases, gang-related offenses, violent felonies and conducting extensive Grand Jury investigations.

After eight years of service with the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, Michael decided to branch out on his own and open an office in Austin, Texas.  As a solo practitioner in Texas, he specialized in Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Administrative Hearings, representing Police Officers involved in Disciplinary matters and even participated in two Homicide defenses.

In 2007 Michael moved back to Ulster County with his wife to raise a family closer to his parents and his In-laws.  Michael joined the law firm of Mainetti, Mainetti & O'Connor, P.C, where he currently specializes in Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Defense, Personal Injury litigation, Civil Defense, Medical Malpractice and Labor Law violations.  Michael also serves in the capacity of Special Prosecutor in Ulster County where he is assigned cases by the County Court Judge when the District Attorney's Office is disqualified by reason of a conflict of interest. 
 
In addition to his experience as a Litigator, Michael is also a member of both the New York State Bar Association and is on the Executive Committee of the Ulster County Bar Association.  He is the appointed Deputy Attorney to the Ulster County Legislature where he serves as Legal Advisor to the current Legislature on matters that range from drafting Legislation to bylaw and charter interpretation.  Michael has also been a lecturer for the Dutchess County Magistrates Training and Certification program.  He taught the Dutchess County Sheriff's Correctional Division for several years, lectured Dutchess County Law Enforcement Agencies on Criminal Procedure issues and taught a yearly class at Arlington High School.