About Jeffrey
Jeffrey Johnstone came to law after a strong grounding in the liberal arts and international studies. He earned a B.A. in Russian Studies from Colgate University in 1967 and an M.A. in Russian Studies from Georgetown University in 1969. He completed his legal education at Cornell University, receiving his J.D. in 1974. While at Colgate he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor that marked his early record of scholarship.
After law school, Johnstone built a practice that spans both state and federal forums. He is admitted to the bars of Florida and New York and holds admissions in several federal tribunals, including the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Those credentials reflect a career that has required familiarity with both trial-level procedures and appellate work.
In 2018 he assumed an of counsel role at Tully Rinckey PLLC. That position placed him within a larger firm environment where he contributes to matters that arise across jurisdictions. His record of bar admissions and court admissions has allowed him to take on cases that move between state and federal venues and to appear before specialized tribunals when necessary.
Johnstone’s academic background in Russian studies is an unusual underpinning for a legal career that has been conducted largely in U.S. courts. The study of language, culture, and international context shaped his analytical habits in law school and afterward. His training suggests an ability to tackle complex factual and procedural questions and to adjust to differing legal settings.
Colleagues have described him as steady and methodical in approach. Over the years he has navigated matters that require sustained attention to detail and an understanding of procedural nuance. He brings decades of practice experience to each file, and he is familiar with the demands of both trial preparation and appellate briefing.
He currently serves as of counsel at Tully Rinckey PLLC, representing clients in matters before state courts, federal district courts, the U.S. Tax Court, and appellate tribunals as appropriate.
