Born in New York City, New York, Conboy received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Fordham College, in 1961, a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, in 1964, and a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1980.
He served in Vietnam in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 where he achieved the rank of Captain.
He served as deputy commissioner and general counsel to the New York City Police Department from 1978 to 1983, as criminal justice coordinator for New York City from 1984 to 1986, and as commissioner of investigation from 1986 to 1987.
[2] Conboy was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on November 5, 1987, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated by Judge Robert L.
[2] Conboy was in private practice at Latham & Watkins in New York City from 1994 until his retirement on December 31, 2011.