Sullivan
Microsoft has discontinued support for Internet Explorer. To access the Sullivan website, please install a modern browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Biography

Litigation

  • Represented numerous institutional and individual clients at trial before various courts in Massachusetts, including the Business Litigation Session of the Superior Court and the Probate and Family Court. Most recently, Erika has presented evidence in trials before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and in arbitration at the American Arbitration Association.
  • Counsel to heirs of Holocaust victims in a suit for restitution of the Guelph Treasure, which was sold under duress in 1935 to agents of the Prussian government. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that the U.S. has jurisdiction over the German state museum in Philipp v. F.R.G., 894 F.3d 406 (D.C. Cir. 2018). The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in 2020; Erika was on the merits brief and assisted in preparation for argument (held in December of 2020).
  • Defended real estate investment firm and its employee against allegations of wrongdoing, including of fraud, brought in the U.S. District Court (D. Mass.). Secured dismissal of all claims against clients at summary judgment. Briefed and argued case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which affirmed the dismissal.
  • Represented a Massachusetts landowner in a breach of contract suit that a would-be real estate purchaser filed in Land Court. Achieved dismissal of the suit and an award of attorney’s fees. When the purchaser appealed to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, secured affirmation of judgment and additional attorney’s fees.
  • Represented members of the Berkshire Museum in litigation concerning a proposed sale of art to fund museum operations.
  • Represented a former employee who alleged that her termination resulted from discrimination. Filed a complaint with the MCAD, conducted witness interviews, and obtained affidavits from supportive witnesses, leading to favorable settlement.
  • Represented a staffing company in a trade secrets and non-competition case against several former employees who left to create a competing business. Secured a settlement, including an agreement for judgment, before the close of discovery.

Employment Counseling

  • Prepare and negotiate contracts (including employment agreements, separation agreements, and confidentiality agreements).
  • Counsel clients regarding employee conflicts, complaints, and terminations.
  • Collaborate with employers on employee handbooks and workplace policies, including policies related to COVID-19.
  • Lead trainings regarding workplace harassment and discrimination.
  • Conduct due diligence in acquisitions to identify possible employment-related legal risks.

Matters

Litigation

  • Represented numerous institutional and individual clients at trial before various courts in Massachusetts, including the Business Litigation Session of the Superior Court and the Probate and Family Court. Most recently, Erika has presented evidence in trials before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and in arbitration at the American Arbitration Association.
  • Counsel to heirs of Holocaust victims in a suit for restitution of the Guelph Treasure, which was sold under duress in 1935 to agents of the Prussian government. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that the U.S. has jurisdiction over the German state museum in Philipp v. F.R.G., 894 F.3d 406 (D.C. Cir. 2018). The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in 2020; Erika was on the merits brief and assisted in preparation for argument (held in December of 2020).
  • Defended real estate investment firm and its employee against allegations of wrongdoing, including of fraud, brought in the U.S. District Court (D. Mass.). Secured dismissal of all claims against clients at summary judgment. Briefed and argued case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which affirmed the dismissal.
  • Represented a Massachusetts landowner in a breach of contract suit that a would-be real estate purchaser filed in Land Court. Achieved dismissal of the suit and an award of attorney’s fees. When the purchaser appealed to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, secured affirmation of judgment and additional attorney’s fees.
  • Represented members of the Berkshire Museum in litigation concerning a proposed sale of art to fund museum operations.
  • Represented a former employee who alleged that her termination resulted from discrimination. Filed a complaint with the MCAD, conducted witness interviews, and obtained affidavits from supportive witnesses, leading to favorable settlement.
  • Represented a staffing company in a trade secrets and non-competition case against several former employees who left to create a competing business. Secured a settlement, including an agreement for judgment, before the close of discovery.

Employment Counseling

  • Prepare and negotiate contracts (including employment agreements, separation agreements, and confidentiality agreements).
  • Counsel clients regarding employee conflicts, complaints, and terminations.
  • Collaborate with employers on employee handbooks and workplace policies, including policies related to COVID-19.
  • Lead trainings regarding workplace harassment and discrimination.
  • Conduct due diligence in acquisitions to identify possible employment-related legal risks.

Matters

Wonder Media Network (WMN) Acquired by the World's Largest Independent Podcast Company

Sullivan represented Wonder Media Network (WMN), a female-founded, audio-first creative studio based in New York City, in its sale to Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company. "WMN’s mission is so tightly aligned with that of Acast - bringing important and changemaking stories to the world," said WMN CEO Jenny Kaplan. "Together, we will allow both creators and advertisers to reach new audiences, build successful businesses, and shape the future of audio."

Lewis N. Segall, Joel R. Carpenter, Amy E. Sheridan, Erika L. Todd, Johanna Colpritt and Nathan Kosik-Desmond

Nonprofit Network Drives Skills-First Movement for a More Equitable and Inclusive Future Workforce

Sullivan acts as outside general counsel for Skillsright, Inc., a nonprofit coalition of the country’s top employers and their CEOs with a mission of driving a skills-first movement to unlock career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, for a more equitable and inclusive future workforce. Sullivan handles a wide range of matters including obtaining the organization’s nonprofit (Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)) status, advising on a variety of legal issues associated with the organization’s work, negotiating intellectual property rights, drafting employment offers and dealing with related employment and benefits issues, overseeing all contracting issues and advising on corporate governance.

Kimberly Herman, David A. Guadagnoli, Judith G.H. Edington, Erika L. Todd and Michael S. Palmisciano

Environmental Technology Company Acquires a Leading Industrial Air Filtration Company

The environmental technology company, Nederman Holding AB, represented by Sullivan, recently acquired a leading industrial air filtration company RoboVent, significantly strengthening its North American position by becoming the number one player within the U.S. weld fume extraction segment. Sullivan has provided acquisition advice to Nederman since 2017. Sullivan’s Environment & Natural Resources group handled preparation of environmental provisions of the purchase agreement and disclosure schedules and advised as to regulatory compliance at the target company.

Michael J. Student, Avinash R. Rao, Amy E. Sheridan, Erika L. Todd, Douglas S. Stransky and Ida J. Vanto

Matters

Matters