Lawrence Michael McKenna (November 7, 1933 – February 3, 2023) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.[1]

Lawrence M. McKenna
Senior Judge United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
In office
May 24, 2002 – February 3, 2023
Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
In office
April 30, 1990 – May 24, 2002
Appointed byGeorge H. W. Bush
Preceded byWilliam C. Conner
Succeeded byP. Kevin Castel
Personal details
Born(1933-11-07)November 7, 1933
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 3, 2023(2023-02-03) (aged 89)
New York City, U.S.
Children3
EducationFordham College (BA)
Columbia University (LLB)

Education and career

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Lawrence Michael McKenna was born in Manhattan and was raised in Douglaston, Queens.[2] graduated from Regis High School,[3] then received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Fordham College in 1956. He received a Bachelor of Laws from Columbia Law School in 1959. He was in private practice of law in New York City from 1959 to 1990, at the firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett from 1959 to 1969 and at the firm of Wormser, Kiely, Alessandroni, Hyde & McCann from 1969 to 1990.[4]

Federal judicial service

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On January 24, 1990, McKenna was nominated by President George H. W. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated by Judge William C. Conner. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 27, 1990, and received commission on April 30, 1990. He assumed senior status on May 24, 2002.[4]

In 2001, McKenna struck down two policing policies introduced by Mayor Rudy Giuliani: he ruled that an instance in which the NYPD barred a church from allowing homeless people to sleep there was a violation of the Free Exercise Clause, and stopped the city from requiring a permit for vendors selling art or books in city parks.[2]

Personal life and death

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McKenna died under hospice care in Brooklyn on February 3, 2023, at the age of 89.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Biographical Directory of the Federal Judiciary. Bernan Press. 2001. p. 654. ISBN 9780890592588. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Roberts, Sam (February 16, 2023). "Lawrence M. McKenna, 89, New York Judge in High-Profile Case". The New York Times. p. A24. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  3. ^ "Judge McKenna, H.W. Bush Appointee To SDNY, Dies At 89". Law 360. February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  4. ^ a b McKenna, Lawrence M. at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.

Sources

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Legal offices
Preceded by Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
1990–2002
Succeeded by