Shaun Anderson Sullivan
also known as The Sullivan Defense
About Shaun
Biography
Shaun A. Sullivan, Esq. is a Palm Springs native who's taken his talents from the West Coast to the East and back again. After wrapping up high school at Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, Sullivan attended Colgate University for his undergraduate degree and then returned to sunny California to study law at the University of San Diego, where he was a key member of the San Diego Law Review.
As a legal professional, Sullivan is no stranger to high-stakes environments, having marked his debut as a defense attorney with a significant victory in a life-sentence trial during his rookie year in 2013. His remarkable legal acumen and consistent track record of success have earned him recognition in esteemed publications and media outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, National Public Radio (“NPR”), The Desert Sun, The Daily Journal, and NBC Palm Springs.
Sullivan's early success was significantly influenced by his late father, a stalwart in California criminal defense known as "The Perry Mason of Palm Springs." Sullivan's own journey mirrors his father's in many ways, particularly in their shared commitment to defending their clients with unwavering determination and clever strategy.
Outside the courtroom, Sullivan is a passionate sports enthusiast, an avid movie critic, a discerning chess player, and a dedicated traveler. He leverages his understanding of these varied fields to draw powerful analogies that resonate with juries, making complex legal concepts accessible and relatable.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
15 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 14 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
The Sullivan Defense, APC
2445 5th Ave., Ste. 330, San Diego, CA, 92101
The Sullivan Defense, APC
79579 Country Club Drive, Suite 201, Bermuda Dunes, CA, 92203
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Shaun Anderson Sullivan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Jason | May 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great Lawyer, Great Person
I hired Shaun after being arrested for: felony resisting arrest, two counts battery of a peace officer, and obstruction. He walked me through all the steps my case would take leading up to trial and knows how the system works. Our first conversation, Shaun told me common strategies a prosecuting atto...
Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Minor in Possession Dismissed
I was cited with a minor in possession at age 18. I went to arraignment alone and pled not guilty. The judge informed me that if I was convicted I would lose my driver's license for a year. Out of fear, I sought out Mr. Sullivan for legal representation. He prepared for my court date, keeping me in t...
Posted by Beth | December 06, 2013
Couldn't ask for a better advocate!
Shaun Sullivan handled my case, and I was blown away by his caring professionalism. Even though my case was a small one, Shaun gave it all his attention and hard work. He was always available to answer any questions I had no matter how small. I couldn't be happier how everything turned out. I would ...
Shaun Anderson Sullivan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Cares deeply about his clients and their issues. Highly ethical."
"An excellent and well respected attorney."
"Shaun's continuing dedication to the law and clients is admirable. We wholly endorse his practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Shaun Sullivan for over ten years, both personally and professionally. I have watched him succeed time and again. As a lawyer, Shaun epitomizes the skilled, ethical and perceptive lawyer we all want to be. He is respected by the judiciary, the prosecution and his colleagues on the defense bar. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Attorney Sullivan. This attorney is an excellent advocate for his clients, and is a top-notch attorney like his late father was. He is already achieving amazing accomplishments and winning trials."
"Shaun is a skilled trial attorney and the guy you need to have in your corner. I would recommend him to anyone."
"Shaun Sullivan is an intelligent and dedicated attorney who shines in the courtroom. You can see the intensity in his eyes when he feels his client is being wronged and he jumps to their aid in a professional and zealous manner. I enthusiastically endorse Shaun."
"Shaun is the advocate you want on your side. I wholeheartedly endorse Shaun. Great lawyer."
"It is a pleasure to endorse Shaun Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan a force of nature in the courtroom- a truly gifted trial attorney and deft litigator. In addition, Shaun possesses high character and practices from a place of personal integrity. While I know Shaun to fight tenaciously for the rights of his clients, he does not sacrifice honesty or personal accountability in order to win. More than a great legal talent, Shaun Sullivan is a true professional by any standard of definition. I endorse Shaun Sullivan wholeheartedly."
"Mr. Sullivan is a excellent attorney. He is intelligent, honest, and persuasive. He will be dedicated to your case and will get you great results."
"I endorse Shaun wholeheartedly - law runs in his blood and he'll always go the extra step for a client."
"A constant and dedicated professional."
"Mr. Sullivan is a personable and intelligent attorney who cares about his clients. I met him on my home turf, outside of his home jurisdiction, in court, winning for his clients. From experience, that is not easy. I was very impressed with this attorney and endorse him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Shaun work hard these past couple of years, learning the criminal defense trade. I've heard from several sources that he gets excellent results for his clients and I know he is not scared to fight."
"Shaun Sullivan is a natural born advocate. The son of one of the most prominent criminal defense attorneys in the Coachella Valley, Mr. Sullivan didn't fall far from the tree. He is an extremely talented and capable attorney and is the first call I would make if I was in need of a criminal defense attorney. Feel very confident choosing Mr. Sullivan to represent you."
"I endorse Shaun Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan is an excellent advocate for all of his clients. I have and will continue to refer all inquires regarding criminal matters to Mr. Sullivan without hesitation. I have had nothing but positive feedback from the referrals I have sent to him. Hire Mr. Sullivan without hesitation."
"Shaun is a passionate attorney that really cares about his clients. He takes the time to research their case, strategize, and develop a comprehensive game plan to provide the best possible defense. He is an attorney that clients can trust!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Shaun has all of the skills I would want in a lawyer if I were a client. He is honest, tenacious, knowledgeable and dedicated to his clients."
Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
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Corporate and incorporation lawyer
Corporate and incorporation lawyer
State, local, and municipal law lawyer
Litigation lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2010
Honors in Trial Advocacy, University of San Diego, School of Law
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Trial Lawyer, The Sullivan Defense
2016 - 2016
Associate Attorney, Bracamontes & Vlasak, PC
2012 - 2012
Attorney, Hanna/Brophy
2011 - 2012
Trial Lawyer, Mark J Sullivan, Attorney At Law
2009 - 2009
Certified Law Clerk, San Diego County Alternate Public Defender's Office
1999 - 2008
Law Clerk, Mark J Sullivan, Attorney At Law
Associations
2015 - Present
U.S. District Court, Northern District of CaliforniaAttorney
2015 - Present
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of CaliforniaAttorney
2015 - Present
U.S. District Court, Central District CaliforniaAttorney
2015 - Present
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of TexasAttorney
2012 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2015 - 2017
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember
2015 - 2017
Alameda County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2018
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2015
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - 2013
Warren Slaughter-Richard Roemer American Inn of CourtMember
2009 - 2011
San Diego Law ReviewMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Case dismissed
Not guilty on all charges
Dismissal
Hung Jury: 9-3 in favor of "Not Guilty"
Not Guilty to Battery on a Peace Officer
Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Not Guilty to Reckless Evading
Not Guilty on all charges
Mistrial (Defense's Motion)
Not Guilty on all charges
Education
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Ed O'Bannon v. NCAA
2014
Donald Sterling Appealing NBA's Order
2014
Colin Kaepernick Accused of Wrongdoing
2014
Donald Sterling Controversy
2014
Oscar Pistorius Trial
Publications
2018
2018
2018
2013
2013
2011
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
What does "have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense that has not been dismissed upon condition of probation" mean?
01 Aug 2015
I got caught steeling some candy from a gas station and got a petty theft ticket.
29 Jul 2015
Is it illegal in California to remove the rear seats of a hatchback or coupe?
29 Jul 2015