Richard J. Sullivan

Richard J. Sullivan is a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He previously served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush, he was elevated to the appellate court by President Donald Trump.

Early life and education

Born in Manhattan, Sullivan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He subsequently attended Yale Law School, where he was an editor for the Yale Law Journal and received his Juris Doctor. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk for Judge Ralph K. Winter Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Legal career

Prior to his judicial appointments, Sullivan built a career in both public service and private practice. He worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, prosecuting cases involving securities fraud, money laundering, and organized crime. He later entered private practice as a partner at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, focusing on white-collar crime defense and complex civil litigation. His experience also includes serving as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Marsh & McLennan Companies.

Federal judicial service

In 2007, Sullivan was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated by Judge John S. Martin Jr. He was confirmed by the United States Senate and received his commission that same year. In 2018, President Donald Trump nominated him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to fill the seat of Judge Richard C. Wesley, who assumed senior status. Sullivan was confirmed by the Senate and assumed his appellate duties shortly thereafter.

Notable cases and jurisprudence

On the district court, Sullivan presided over several high-profile cases, including the criminal trial of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's associate, the extradition proceedings for Manuel Noriega, and significant antitrust litigation. His appellate opinions have addressed a wide range of issues, such as the scope of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, First Amendment protections in digital spaces, and the enforcement of arbitration agreements. He has also written on matters pertaining to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and sentencing guidelines for fraud offenses.

Professional affiliations and honors

Sullivan has been a member of the New York City Bar Association and the Federal Bar Council. He has served as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and has been involved with the Milton Handler Lecture series. His professional recognitions include receiving the Henry L. Stimson Medal from the New York County Lawyers Association.

Category:1964 births Category:American circuit judges Category:United States district judges