Sullivan Thomas P

- 353 North Clark, 353 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

For residents and legal professionals across Illinois, the name Thomas P. Sullivan is synonymous with integrity, reform, and an unwavering dedication to justice. While the provided address is a general one for a prominent Chicago building, it is widely known that Thomas P. Sullivan was a distinguished partner at the esteemed law firm of Jenner & Block LLP for his entire professional career, with the exception of his tenure as a U.S. Attorney. His work transcended standard legal practice, making a profound and lasting impact on the legal landscape of both Chicago and the entire state of Illinois. This article will provide a detailed look into the life and work of this legendary lawyer, highlighting his significant contributions to civil and criminal justice, his notable professional roles, and the legacy that continues to inspire legal professionals today.

Thomas P. Sullivan was more than just an attorney; he was a legal icon who played a pivotal role in some of the most significant legal and social issues of his time. He joined Jenner & Block in 1954 and, alongside Albert E. Jenner, helped to establish the firm's industry-leading pro bono program, a model that has since been emulated by firms nationwide. His career was characterized by a deep personal commitment to helping the less fortunate and fighting for systemic change. He tirelessly advocated for the rights of indigent persons, including those incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His principled stance and dedication to justice were evident throughout his career, whether he was arguing a case before the U.S. Supreme Court or leading a major corruption investigation. For anyone in Illinois seeking to understand the power of law to effect positive change, Mr. Sullivan’s life serves as an extraordinary example.

The provided address for Thomas P. Sullivan is 353 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This location is within a major office building in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, a hub for many professional services and corporations. The building is centrally located, making it easily accessible for clients and visitors coming from various parts of Illinois. It is well-served by Chicago's public transportation system, with several 'L' train stations and bus routes nearby, providing a convenient commute for those who prefer to travel without a car. For those driving, there are multiple parking garages in the area.

The building at 353 N Clark St is designed with modern standards of accessibility in mind. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ensuring that all individuals can visit the location comfortably and with dignity. The presence of these amenities underscores a commitment to inclusivity and convenience for all clients and guests. The professional environment of the building provides a secure and appropriate setting for conducting important legal discussions. The central location in the city’s legal and financial district further emphasizes its importance as a nexus for legal and business activity in Illinois.

Thomas P. Sullivan's legal practice was exceptionally broad, but it was anchored by his expertise in civil and criminal litigation and his dedication to judicial reform. His work included a wide range of legal matters.

• Criminal Defense and Appeals: Representing defendants in high-profile criminal cases, including four of the Chicago Seven defendants, and handling subsequent appeals.
• Civil Litigation: Engaging in a wide variety of civil trial and appellate cases.
• Pro Bono Work: A lifelong commitment to representing indigent persons and prisoners, a hallmark of his career.
• Judicial and Systemic Reform: Leading landmark efforts to reform the legal system, most notably his work on the death penalty in Illinois.
• Government Investigations: As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, he led "Operation Greylord," a major probe into corruption within the Cook County criminal courts.
• Appellate Practice: Arguing numerous cases before the Illinois Supreme Court, federal Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

His work was not limited to one specific area of law but rather was defined by its focus on justice and fairness, making him a true generalist in the most impactful sense of the word.

Thomas P. Sullivan's career was marked by numerous features and highlights that solidified his status as a legal legend.

• Influence on the Abolition of the Death Penalty: He was selected to co-chair the Illinois Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment. His work was instrumental in Governor Ryan's decision to commute sentences and clear death row, and ultimately influenced Governor Quinn's decision to abolish the death penalty in Illinois.
• Role as U.S. Attorney: From 1977 to 1981, he served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, where he led Operation Greylord, which resulted in the conviction of judges, lawyers, and court personnel for corruption.
• Unwavering Pro Bono Commitment: He spent his career representing countless indigent clients, setting a powerful example for the legal community and helping to establish a strong pro bono culture at his firm.
• Supreme Court Advocacy: He argued and won a landmark case, Witherspoon v. Illinois, before the U.S. Supreme Court, which held that a statute allowing unlimited challenges to jurors was unconstitutional.
• Respected Author and Lecturer: He was a prolific writer and lecturer on civil and criminal trial and appellate litigation, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of legal professionals.

These achievements demonstrate a career dedicated to high-level legal practice and a tireless fight for justice and reform.

For those in Illinois seeking legal counsel or wanting to learn more about the legacy of this remarkable attorney, the primary point of contact is the phone number associated with the firm he worked for throughout his long and impactful career.

Address: 353 North Clark, 353 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 222-9350

A call to this number can connect you to the resources of the firm where his legacy of excellence and justice continues.

For any person or organization in Illinois, choosing an attorney is a critical decision. While Thomas P. Sullivan has passed away, his life's work provides a compelling reason to consider the firm he helped build and define. What makes his legacy worth choosing is the unparalleled standard of excellence, ethical conduct, and commitment to justice he established. He proved that it is possible to be a highly successful lawyer while also being a passionate advocate for social and systemic reform. His work on the death penalty in Illinois, his leadership in rooting out corruption through Operation Greylord, and his relentless pursuit of pro bono work set a benchmark for legal professionals. When you consider his contributions, you are not just looking at a list of legal services; you are seeing a career dedicated to making the law a tool for fairness and positive change. His unwavering commitment to a just legal system is a powerful testament to what is possible. For anyone seeking legal representation from a firm that values integrity, public service, and legal excellence, the legacy of Thomas P. Sullivan serves as a powerful and inspiring example of what is worth choosing.

Sullivan Thomas P

353 North Clark, 353 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA