People

Richard T. Sullivan
Member

Mr. Sullivan's practice focuses on enforcement of employment agreements, dissolution of business entities, commercial contracts, and valuation of business interests. Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America, Mr. Sullivan represents attorneys and other professionals charged with violations of disciplinary rules. He also represents real estate developers in commercial real estate zoning litigation. He represents a wide range of clients in both state and federal courts. Prior to joining Harris Beach, Mr. Sullivan was a named partner in a Buffalo area law firm trying personal injury cases for both plaintiffs and defendants, including asbestos related cases.

Representative cases include:

  • Prozeralik v. Capital Cities Communications, Inc. (New York State Supreme Court, Niagara County; 1996). Successfully represented plaintiff in the largest sustained defamation verdict in the history of New York state.
  • Swarts v. Erie County Legislature (New York State Supreme Court, Erie County; 2005). Successfully represented Erie County clerk in county budget crisis.

Professional & Community Activities

Mr. Sullivan is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is also a lecturer on New York Practice at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Mr. Sullivan is a member of the Erie County and New York State Bar Associations. He served on the board of directors of the Erie County Bar Foundation. He was also a member of the New York State Bar Association’s House of Delegates. For six years, Mr. Sullivan chaired the Attorney Grievance Committee of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. He frequently lectures on litigation and professional responsibility topics at CLE programs sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Sullivan serves on the City of Buffalo Board of Ethics. He is also a member of the board of Gilda’s Club Western New York. Mr. Sullivan is a former chair of the Buffalo Convention Center and a former deputy town attorney for Orchard Park, New York.

Recognized as a New York State Super Lawyer