John Sullivan

With over 40 years of practice in criminal law, John has developed a reputation for exceptional advocacy skills and a dedication to protecting his clients' legal rights. Throughout his career John has handled a wide range of criminal cases from minor criminal and traffic offences to serious criminal matters such as assault, theft, drug offences and white collar crimes. John’s extensive experience allows him to navigate the nuances of the law and develop effective defence strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

As an excellent communicator, John ensures that his clients fully understand their rights, the charges they are facing and the potential consequences involved. John explains complex legal concepts in clear and accessible language, empowering his clients to make informed decisions.

John conducts a thorough investigation, analyses evidence and interviews witnesses to build the strongest possible defence. John’s attention to detail combined with his analytical skills enables him to identify weaknesses in the prosecutions’ case and craft compelling arguments in favour of his clients.

John has extensive experience appearing for clients in Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and County Court proceedings, including contested criminal proceedings, pleas, bail applications, committal proceedings and appeals. John regularly appears in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts of Sale and Bairnsdale and the County Courts of Bairnsdale and Latrobe Valley.

John has instructed counsel in a large number of criminal trials in the County and Supreme Courts and appeals in the Court of Appeal.

In the course of his career John has also gained vast experience assisting clients in Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal proceedings.

John also has extensive experience as a mediator, including mediating family law property disputes, family provision claims and other commercial disputes.

John was recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria as the winner of the Regional Lawyer of the Year Award for 2015.