John Sullivan

John Sullivan, Principal, boasts over four decades of dedicated practice in criminal law, earning a reputation for outstanding advocacy and a commitment to safeguarding clients' legal rights. His career encompasses a diverse array of criminal cases, from minor offences to complex matters like assault, theft, drug offences, and white collar crimes. This broad experience enables John to deftly navigate legal complexities and develop defence strategies tailored to the specifics of each case. A skilled communicator, John ensures his clients clearly understand their rights, the charges they face, and the potential outcomes. By explaining intricate legal concepts in straightforward language, he empowers clients to make well-informed decisions. John's approach includes thorough investigations, evidence analysis, and witness interviews to construct robust defences. His meticulous attention to detail and analytical prowess help him uncover weaknesses in the prosecution's case, allowing him to craft persuasive arguments on behalf of his clients. John regularly represents clients in the Magistrates' Court, Children’s Court, and County Court, handling contested proceedings, pleas, bail applications, committal proceedings, and appeals. His presence is well-established in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts of Sale and Bairnsdale, and the County Courts of Bairnsdale and Latrobe Valley. He has also instructed counsel in numerous criminal trials in the County and Supreme Courts, as well as appeals in the Court of Appeal. Beyond criminal law, John assists clients in the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal and has a wealth of experience in mediation. He has successfully mediated family law property disputes, family provision claims, and various commercial conflicts. John’s excellence was recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria when he received the Regional Lawyer of the Year Award in 2015.