Sullivan
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Biography

Brendan practices in all aspects of corporate and securities law, with a particular focus on securities regulation, public and private offerings, and general corporate matters.

Prior to joining Sullivan, Brendan was an associate at a New York law firm where he represented financial institutions and issuers in a variety of capital raising transactions including IPOs, Registered Direct offerings, At-the-Market offering programs, PIPEs, uplistings and private placements. Prior to that, Brendan was an Associate Principal Analyst/Attorney at FINRA in New York and was an associate at a law firm specializing in broker-dealer representation.

Brendan received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.A. in English Literature from Loyola University.

Education
  • St. John's University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Loyola University Maryland (B.A., cum laude)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • New York
Representative Matters
  • Represented five sales agents in an at the market offering for a data center developer for up to $125,000,000
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Sullivan & Worcester Submits Rebuttal Comment Letter to SEC on Nasdaq’s Proposed Market Value Listing Requirement
On June 3, 2026, Sullivan & Worcester submitted a rebuttal comment letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in response to comment letters supporting Nasdaq’s proposed continued listing requirement mandating that companies maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities of $5 million. The letter was authored by partners David Danovitch, Angela Gomes, and Brendan O’Brien, and associate Phillip Carnevale. Building on the firm’s prior submissions, Sullivan argued that the comment letters that were in support of the Nasdaq proposal failed to provide empirical evidence linking the proposed $5 million threshold to fraud, manipulation or enhanced investor protection. Sullivan's letter also buttressed its earlier letters by highlighting additional market data demonstrating that many companies that temporarily fell below the proposed threshold subsequently recovered above a $5 million market capitalization threshold, resulting in the creation of significant shareholder value. For these reasons, Sullivan urged the SEC to disapprove the proposal. Through its interdisciplinary Small-Firm Task Force, Sullivan continues to advocate for practical, evidence-based regulatory approaches affecting small-cap, micro-cap and mid-market public companies and their investors.  To stay informed on developments affecting small-cap and micro-cap market participants, visit Sullivan’s Small-Firm Task Force resource center, which provides ongoing insights, commentary and updates on the evolving regulatory landscape.
Sullivan & Worcester Submits Supplemental Comment Letter to SEC on Nasdaq’s Proposed Market Value Listing Requirement
On May 22, 2026, Sullivan & Worcester submitted a supplemental comment letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in response to Release No. 34-105333; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2026-004, concerning Nasdaq’s proposal to adopt a continued listing requirement mandating that companies maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities of $5 million. The supplemental letter, authored by partners David Danovitch, Angela Gomes, Brendan O’Brien and associate Phillip Carnevale, expands upon the firm’s prior comments submitted in February and addresses the SEC’s Order Instituting Proceedings regarding the proposal. Nasdaq’s proposal would require issuers to maintain at least $5 million in Market Value of Listed Securities for 30 consecutive business days and would impose immediate suspension and delisting for companies that fall below that threshold, without providing a meaningful compliance or cure period. Sullivan’s comments emphasize that the proposal could unintentionally encourage opportunistic trading activity and disproportionately impact micro-cap and small-cap issuers whose market value is often influenced by factors outside their control, including volatility, investor sentiment and trading dynamics. The letter also highlights the potential harm to retail investors resulting from automatic delisting to over-the-counter markets, including reduced liquidity, transparency and governance protections. Through its interdisciplinary Small-Firm Task Force, Sullivan continues to draw on its capital markets, regulatory, enforcement and litigation experience to support issuers and investors navigating the evolving regulatory landscape impacting small-cap, micro-cap and mid-market companies. For these reasons, Sullivan urged the SEC to disapprove the proposal unless substantially modified to address the concerns outlined in the firm’s supplemental comments.
Sullivan & Worcester Announces Six Partner Elevations in Boston and New York
Boston, MA – International law firm Sullivan & Worcester has elevated six attorneys to partner in its Boston and New York offices, effective January 1, 2026. The promotions follow a period of sustained growth across key practices and markets and reflect the firm’s continued investment in developing talent from within. The firm has elevated these attorneys, all of whom were promoted from the associate ranks, in recognition of their exceptional leadership, client service and business development achievements. The newly promoted partners include Boston-based attorneys Ryan M. Rosenblatt (litigation) and Ryan C. Tompkins (private clients/trusts & estates), as well as New York attorneys Ilana Neck Levin (capital markets), Anna Lea McNerney (litigation), Brendan O’Brien (capital markets) and Christopher K. Shields (litigation). “Each of these attorneys has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a consistent ability to deliver results for clients,” said Managing Partner David Nagle. “They have successfully handled complex, high-stakes matters while growing their practices in ways that strengthen the firm as a whole. We are proud to welcome them to the partnership and confident they will continue to make meaningful contributions through top-level service and creative, practical solutions.” The partner promotions come at a time of sustained momentum for the firm following the implementation of a targeted strategic plan in 2024. That momentum has been driven by strong demand across key practice areas, including REITs, Capital Markets, Corporate, Investment Management and Tax. “Our capital markets teams in New York, Boston and Tel Aviv have achieved remarkable success this year by delivering thoughtful, responsive counsel on some of the market’s most complex and innovative transactions,” said David Danovitch, Managing Partner of the New York Office and head of the firm’s U.S. Capital Markets and Regulatory and Compliance Practices. “The growth we’ve seen in our New York office, in particular, reflects both the strength of our people, the firm’s strategic plan to grow in New York and the trust our clients place in us. We’re energized by what we’ve accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to build our practice and deepen our footprint in New York and beyond.” Supporting this momentum, Sullivan added 22 attorneys in 2025, many of whom joined from larger law firms or organizations, attracted by the firm’s collaborative culture, strong growth trajectory and expanding platform. The firm also continued its strategic expansion in life sciences and intellectual property, building on the addition of Thomas Meyers and Zachary Hyde and formally launching a Life Sciences and Patent Practice Group at the end of 2024. This growth further strengthened the firm’s ability to serve innovative and emerging companies in Boston and across the globe. The firm’s London office also enhanced its market-leading Trade Finance practice with the acquisition of Robert Parson from Squire, Patton, Boggs and Matthew Cox from Holman Fenwick Willan. The Washington, DC office also added new partners: Stephanie Monaco joined the firm's prestigious Investment Management group from Mayer Brown, and Cameron Cosby joined the firm’s premier REITs practice from Fried Frank. “At Sullivan, we’re committed to providing lateral partners from larger firms with more than just a new platform – we offer genuine support, individualized attention, and the resources they need to grow their practices with confidence,” said Nagle. “We’ve built a culture where attorneys feel valued and truly cared for, and we’re proud to be a place where people can thrive both professionally and personally.” The firm continues to build on its expanded platform and to invest in practices that have strengthened Sullivan’s reputation among clients ranging from emerging businesses to established Fortune 500 companies. In addition to the firm’s London office abroad, its Tel Aviv presence has furthered enhanced the firm’s work in the life sciences and biotech sector, with Sullivan representing a significant share of Israeli companies listed on Nasdaq. The firm has also strategically focused on expanding its presence in Ireland, Finland and across Asia. “While many large firms are merging to create massive conglomerates, we have remained focused on what truly differentiates us and the value we deliver to our clients,” said Danovitch. “We’ve invested strategically in technology to enhance efficiency and, just as importantly, in our people. Our clients value knowing that the lawyers they hire are the ones deeply engaged in their matters and fully committed to achieving the best possible results. That focus has been central to our success.” Additional information about each newly promoted partner and their practice areas is provided below. Ilana Neck Levin advises private and public companies and investment banks on private placements, initial public offerings and follow-on public offerings, with a focus on cross-border capital markets transactions by foreign private issuers. She assists clients with corporate governance and disclosure obligations related to stock exchange listing standards and various federal laws. She also represents Israeli companies and other international companies with securities trading in the United States. Anna Lea McNerney represents companies in a wide range of commercial litigation and arbitration matters, with a focus on complex commercial disputes and issues related to banking, securities and employment and contract law. She has spent her career also dedicated to pro bono legal service and frequently represents pro se parties in commercial disputes and employment law matters. Brendan O’Brien manages an active corporate and securities law practice, with an emphasis on advising clients on securities regulation, public and private offerings, stock exchange listing compliance and general corporate matters. His experience includes representing financial institutions, institutional investors and issuers in a variety of capital raising transactions including IPOs, Registered Direct offerings, At-the-Market offering programs, PIPEs, uplistings and private placements in both domestic and cross-border transactions. He also advises issuers with corporate governance and federal securities laws disclosure obligations. Ryan M. Rosenblatt represents companies and high-net-worth individuals in a wide array of litigation matters, including complex, commercial, land use, employment and business and interpersonal torts in both state and federal courts. He also represents clients in bankruptcy proceedings, arbitration, mediation and administrative proceedings before state agencies. He has also been a huge champion of pro bono legal services to Boston area residents, and co-chairs the firm’s pro bono partnerships with the Victim Rights Law Center and the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Christopher K. Shields represents clients in the financial services and technology industries in a wide range of litigation matters, including complex commercial disputes and securities, banking, intellectual property and shareholder matters in both federal and state courts. He also advises clients in arbitrations, as well as regulatory compliance matters, investigations and enforcement actions. Ryan C. Tompkins advises high-net-worth individuals, family offices and closely-held business owners with regard to sophisticated estate planning matters. He represents trustees and personal representatives in the administration of trusts, probate estates and estate settlements, and prepares gift and estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns. About Sullivan & Worcester LLP Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a premier international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.