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Brendan Sullivan

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description Brendan Sullivan Overview

Brendan Sullivan is an American trial lawyer and a founding partner of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Williams & Connolly. He is widely recognized for his role as defense counsel for Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North during the 1987 Iran-Contra congressional hearings. Throughout his career, Sullivan has specialized in white-collar criminal defense, representing high-profile political and corporate clients in complex litigation. He is noted among legal professionals for his aggressive courtroom strategy and his significant influence on modern trial advocacy.

help Brendan Sullivan FAQ

What did Brendan Sullivan mean by saying he was not a potted plant?

Sullivan made the remark while representing Oliver North during the televised Iran-Contra hearings in 1987. He was objecting to suggestions that he remain passive while members of Congress questioned his client.

What law firm is Brendan Sullivan associated with?

He built his career at Williams & Connolly, the Washington, D.C. litigation firm founded by Edward Bennett Williams. Sullivan became known for handling major criminal, congressional, and high-stakes civil matters.

What was Brendan Sullivan's role in the Ted Stevens case?

Sullivan represented Alaska Senator Ted Stevens after Stevens was charged and convicted in a federal corruption prosecution. The conviction was later set aside after serious problems with the government's handling of evidence came to light.

Did Brendan Sullivan testify in Iran-Contra or serve as Oliver North's lawyer?

He served as North's defense lawyer during the congressional proceedings. His forceful objections became part of the public drama, but North, not Sullivan, was the witness under examination.