Verified profile

William M. Sullivan, Jr.

Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

William M. Sullivan, Jr.'s profile photo
LocationWashington and New YorkDistrict of Columbia, United States
Current rolePartnerPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP · since Mar 2011
Government service10yrsU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

About

Bill Sullivan, Pillsbury’s Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice Group leader, is a former federal prosecutor and experienced trial attorney who concentrates his practice on internal investigations and white collar criminal defense, as well as complex civil litigation and other regulatory actions.

Commended by clients for his skill at “marshalling massive amounts of information and distilling it down to themes and talking points” (The Legal 500 U.S.), Bill has substantial experience in the courtroom, the boardroom and in between, representing public and private companies, as well as key executives and public officials in global corporate regulatory and internal investigations, parallel proceedings, trial and grand jury matters, congressional and independent counsel inquiries, public corruption matters and white collar criminal defense, with a particular emphasis on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), antitrust and securities matters, international trade and export control, as well as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

Bill has been particularly successful on behalf of both companies and individuals in persuading government regulatory authorities to decline to pursue criminal prosecution or other enforcement actions involving a diverse array of matters. In 2018, the National Law Journal recognized Bill as a White Collar, Regulatory & Compliance Trailblazer. Bill has been mentioned multiple times by The American Lawyer in its “Litigator of the Week” column for successes on behalf of his clients.

Bill honed his courtroom skills while serving for more than 10 years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. During his service, he tried several high-profile cases involving first-degree murder, perjury, fraud, obstruction of justice, money laundering, conspiracy, narcotics and criminal RICO charges. He was the lead prosecutor in the first federal death penalty case to be tried in almost 50 years in the District of Columbia. He has won over 70 federal criminal jury cases and has argued, and prevailed, in over 20 appeals in both New York and the District of Columbia. He won numerous Department of Justice (DOJ) awards and commendations.

Bill frequently prepares and advises on compliance and business strategy programs for companies engaged in industries as diverse as manufacturing, defense, telecommunications, finance, energy, pharmaceuticals and aerospace. Bill’s legal opinions and analysis are often sought by the national media regarding high-profile or sensational cases, and he has been consistently ranked as a superior practitioner by legal publications.

Roles

Mar 2011–Present
Current role

Partner

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Washington, District of Columbia

AttorneyCivil LitigationAttorney AdvisorCriminal DefenseWhite Collar CrimeLegal

Bill Sullivan, Pillsbury’s Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice Group leader, is a former federal prosecutor and experienced trial attorney who concentrates his practice on internal investigations and white collar criminal defense, as well as complex civil litigation and other regulatory actions.

Apr 2004–Jan 2011
Former role

Partner

Winston & Strawn LLP

AttorneyAttorney AdvisorWhite Collar CrimeLegal
May 1994–Jan 2004
Former role

Assistant U.S. Attorney

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

District of Columbia

AttorneyInvestigationsWhite Collar CrimeCriminal Investigation

Bill honed his courtroom skills while serving for more than 10 years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. During his service, he tried several high-profile cases involving first-degree murder, perjury, fraud, obstruction of justice, money laundering, conspiracy, narcotics and criminal RICO charges. He was the lead prosecutor in the first federal death penalty case to be tried in almost 50 years in the District of Columbia. He has won over 70 federal criminal jury cases and has argued, and prevailed, in over 20 appeals in both New York and the District of Columbia. He won numerous Department of Justice (DOJ) awards and commendations.

Representative matters

Experience

February 2026

-Achieved a significant victory on behalf of his clients, the University of Kansas and head men’s basketball coach Bill Self. Following a years-long investigation, the NCAA’s Independent Resolution Panel concluded that allegations of severe NCAA rules violations against the University of Kansas and its men’s basketball program were without merit, and in regard to head men’s basketball coach Bill Self, only a single, Level 3 violation was supported by the record, which afforded no additional penalties beyond those self-imposed by the university, which the IRP also accepted. -Successfully defended former Westinghouse Vice President Jeff Benjamin in obtaining a dismissal of a criminal indictment alleging various serious charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud and securities violations, on the grounds that his constitutional rights were violated when the government presented its case to a per se-biased grand jury. The Court held that the government’s failure in this respect was a violation of Benjamin’s constitutional right to an unbiased jury, with a further explanation that while “dismissal is a drastic remedy,” such constitutional violations “constitute extreme cases” and the court must take the necessary steps to “protect the law as an institution, […] the community at large, and […] the democratic ideal reflected in the processes of our courts.” -Mr. Sullivan also represented the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) in a parallel SEC/DOJ investigation regarding the accurate calculations of investment returns. While both the DOJ and SEC ultimately declined to pursue charges, the SEC did charge the PSERS outside investment advisor with errors leading to discrepancies in investment returns, which charges the advisor resolved by way of settlement. -Represented a number of senior executives of Wells Fargo in the false account and cross-selling investigations initiated by a number of government agencies, including the DOJ, SEC, OCC and FINRA. No charges, sanctions or fines were ever sought or obtained against any client, nor were any pursued in related civil litigation. -After an eight-day bench trial, successfully defended a Virginia nonprofit devoted to environmental conservation and a related entity in a $67 million adversarial proceeding related to our clients’ acquisition of certain assets and liabilities from Patriot Coal Corporation. -Represented a former Central American FIFA soccer officer in a widely publicized DOJ investigation involving allegations of money laundering and fraud related to the sale of TV and other media rights for World Cup soccer matches in Central America. -Represented the president of a uranium transport company in a FCPA criminal indictment concerning the company’s contracts to transport uranium from Russia to the United States under the Megatons to Megawatts Program. Due to the nature of Bill’s practice, a large number of his most successful matters have resulted in public charges not being filed, and therefore remain confidential.

Criminal Antitrust Cartel Investigations and Litigation

February 2026

-Successfully represented a senior executive of a national food processing company in connection with allegations of a criminal cartel price-fixing conspiracy. -Representing a Japanese auto parts manufacturer in various probes by regulators in both the United States and Europe into allegations of anti-competitive practices in the auto parts industry, which became the single largest criminal cartel investigation ever conducted by the DOJ. After a two-year investigation and several declination presentations, convinced the DOJ to cease its inquiry into Pillsbury’s client. Currently represents this manufacturer in related civil class action litigation. -Represented officers and directors of a Japanese electronics manufacturer in grand jury proceeding regarding allegations of price fixing of liquid crystal display applications. The investigation was concluded without any charges brought against our clients or the company. -Defended officers of an international parcel tanker shipping enterprise in a criminal cartel investigation involving allegations of price fixing, customer allocation and continued criminal conduct following disclosure under the DOJ’s amnesty program. The indictment of the company was dismissed. -Represented a key international sales executive of a foreign company in a U.S. criminal cartel investigation of the undersea cable industry. -Represented a number of officers of a Scandinavian mining company in a criminal price-fixing investigation into the rock crushing and screening equipment industry. The DOJ closed the investigation without any further action brought against our clients. -Represented a former senior executive of an international airline in a criminal cartel investigation into alleged cartel activities with respect to air cargo rates charged to customers for international air shipments. -Represented a former senior executive of a U.S. company in a DOJ criminal cartel investigation of the home-building-products industry. -Represented the president of an international freight forwarding company in a DOJ industry sweep concerning alleged price fixing and bid rigging among numerous forwarders. The investigation was concluded without any charges brought against the executive.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Investigations and Litigation

February 2026

-Represented a former executive of a Hungarian telecommunications company in a parallel SEC/DOJ investigation involving allegations of bribery of government officials in Macedonia and Montenegro. Obtained declination from the DOJ in connection with criminal investigation. -Represented a petroleum and natural gas engineering company in the high-profile Halliburton consortium investigation involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; successfully persuaded both the SEC and DOJ to decline criminal and civil enforcement actions. -Represented principals in an FCPA investigation regarding the privatization of a manufacturing facility in a former Soviet bloc country; no charges were brought. -Represented the former general counsel in a high-profile investigation into allegations of widespread bribery in a Latin American country; no charges were pursued against our client. -Represented a senior executive of an international pharmaceutical company in an FCPA investigation; no charges were filed. -Represented clients before the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency Unit, as well as its Suspension and Debarment Office, regarding World Bank sanctionable practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion and obstruction. -Represented an international consulting and engineering firm in connection with a joint DOJ/World Bank FCA/FCPA investigation; resolved both regulatory investigations without a debarment or criminal charge. -Represented a company and an employee of a publicly traded U.S. manufacturer of military equipment in the so-called SHOT Show sting case. Described as the single-largest investigation and prosecution of individuals in the history of the FCPA; it also marked the first time the U.S. government used informants, wiretaps and other “sting” enforcement technologies in an FCPA investigation. Obtained declination from government agencies in connection with subsequent SEC administrative and DOJ criminal inquiries. -Representation of an individual involved in a criminal FCPA investigation in connection with the privatization of state-owned enterprises in Azerbaijan. -Representation of a major U.S. aerospace company in connection with internal investigations of possible FCPA violations in China, Greece, Spain, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. -Successfully represented former senior executive of a Fortune 50 company in connection with an internal investigation of potential FCPA issues; obtained declination from government agencies in relation to subsequent SEC administrative and DOJ criminal inquiries. -Successfully represented a former senior vice president of a division of a leading international provider of intercontinental air and ocean freight forwarding and logistics services in a DOJ investigation of that company’s customs clearance practices in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and other countries and whether such practices resulted in violations of the FCPA. -Preparation and implementation of corporate FCPA compliance programs for companies engaged in various industries, including telecommunications, energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and aerospace.

Corporate Investigations, Compliance, Criminal Defense and Other Matters

February 2026

-Represented several Swiss banks in DOJ and IRS probes into offshore accounts held by American depositors; negotiated the second-smallest fine out of all the substantially capitalized banks participating in the DOJ’s FATCA program. -Represented officers of a health care company in a Federal Election Commission investigation involving allegations of election campaign law violations. -Represented a national construction company in an improper False Claims Act bidding/kickback investigation; no charges were brought against our client. -Represented a publicly traded manufacturing company and its CEO in an insider trading investigation; matter was closed without any charges. -Represented a multinational nuclear engineering and consulting firm in connection with a criminal investigation of the alleged transfer of controlled U.S. origin software and Chinese espionage; no charges were ever filed. -Represented a sovereign nation in connection with asset recovery and evaluation of international criminal violations, as well as related interactions with U.S. law enforcement representatives. -Represented Gibson Guitar in a high-profile investigation by the DOJ and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleging violations of the Lacey Act pertaining to the importation of exotic hardwoods. After a controversial three-year criminal investigation, which included government search warrants and asset seizures, the parties agreed to a comprehensive resolution of all potential civil and criminal liabilities, including all potential charges against Gibson’s officers, directors and employees. -Represented several officers of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac) in an SEC enforcement investigation, as well as in securities class action litigation regarding allegations that Freddie Mac failed to disclose its substantial involvement in the subprime mortgage market and that it allegedly misrepresented its financial condition. -Represented a private equity firm in a DOJ investigation of securities disclosure issues and PIPE transactions; persuaded the DOJ to cease its inquiry of Pillsbury’s client. -Represented the special committee of a Japanese manufacturer of optical imaging devices organized to investigate allegations of accounting irregularities before U.S. regulators. -Represented primary athletic sponsor in connection with Lance Armstrong criminal investigation. -Represented a prominent Bush administration official in a DOJ investigation regarding a congressional appearance. -Represented a former vice chairman of Enron Corp. in parallel proceedings before Congress and the SEC and DOJ. No criminal or civil litigation ensued. -Represented the special committee on accounting matters of the board of directors of Global Crossing Ltd. in an internal investigation culminating in a published report of findings. -Represented a prominent businessman in a DOJ public corruption investigation and two jury trials involving former New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. -Represented the former controller of U.S. Foodservice Inc., a subsidiary of Royal Ahold N.V., in connection with parallel federal investigations of alleged questionable accounting practices by Royal Ahold and its subsidiaries. No criminal prosecution resulted. -Represented the CEO of the Middle East’s largest internet service provider involving a criminal investigation of a USAID contract. -Represented over a dozen current and former officers and employees of a publicly traded investment firm under investigation by both the SEC and DOJ regarding purported securities and portfolio valuation fraud. No criminal or civil litigation ensued. -Represented several officers and directors of a national financial institution regarding allegations of Bank Secrecy Act violations and money laundering.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Investigations

February 2026

-Represented a U.S.-based telecommunications company in connection with an FBI investigation having national security implications and involving alleged violations of U.S. export control laws, OFAC regulations and the FCPA. -Represented a pharmaceutical company in criminal proceedings brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida relating to alleged violations of U.S. export control laws, mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy. The representation resulted in a highly favorable settlement arrangement under which the client agreed to plead guilty to a single point of failing to certify a shipment of hazardous material. Subsequent representation of the same company in civil administrative enforcement proceedings before the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Defense Trade Controls for alleged violations of International Trafficking in Arms Regulations, resulting in a declination of any enforcement action or financial penalty. -Representation of a company that was the target of a criminal export control investigation pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Persuaded the U.S. Attorney’s Office to forgo criminal prosecution, ending a two-year criminal investigation that included the execution of a search warrant on the client’s facility by 50 federal agents. -Representation of a U.S. manufacturer of construction equipment in an enforcement action brought by OFAC. Secured a favorable settlement without enforcement action. -Representation of a U.S. company operating in Russia in a comprehensive audit of its five businesses to evaluate possible violations of U.S. law. This work included coordinating all aspects of the investigations, supervising accountants, reporting to the audit committee, and implementing a new compliance policy for the company. -Representation of several U.S. and multinational companies under criminal investigation for violations of U.S. export and customs laws, including on-site defense and counseling on defense strategies. -Advice to a major U.S. aerospace company in connection with payments made under contracts with a Russian-based service provider. -Preparation and implementation of export trade corporate compliance programs (covering U.S. export controls, OFAC sanctions and embargoes, the FCPA, and U.S. anti-boycott regulations) for companies engaged in a wide array of industries, including telecommunications, space launch services and satellite processing.

Notable Criminal Jury Trials

February 2026

-U.S. v. Richard Convertino and Harry Smith, (E.D. Mich.)—Successfully defended former Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Convertino, who obtained the first and only conviction of a domestic Al Qaeda terrorist sleeper cell after the September 11, 2001 attacks, but who was himself later indicted on conspiracy, obstruction of justice and false statement charges. After a month-long trial in Detroit, the jury acquitted Mr. Convertino of all charges in only three hours. -Commonwealth v. Mariello, (Virginia State Court)—Successfully defended the dining services purchasing officer of a prominent southern university accused of embezzling funds to be credited to the school as rebates for purchases. Obtained an acquittal on all counts despite a pre-trial confession and the adverse testimony of an alleged accomplice. -U.S. v. Edelin, et al. (D.D.C.)—Prosecuted a federal narcotics racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and continuing criminal enterprise case in which the Attorney General of the United States authorized seeking the death penalty against the lead defendant in the event of an conviction, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 848. The 100-count indictment upon which the trial proceeded was the result of a two-year investigation and charged a 15-year narcotics and racketeering conspiracy. The government called over 100 witnesses, including 30 accomplices, and presented over 1,000 evidentiary exhibits. The defendants were each convicted of multiple counts and are serving life sentences. -U.S. v. Hammond, et al. (D.D.C.)—Personally selected by then-U.S. Attorney Eric Holder to prosecute a high-profile, multi-count co-defendant case involving the murder for hire of a law enforcement officer while on his way to court to testify as a government witness. Obtained first-degree murder and obstruction of justice convictions. -U.S. v. Atkins, Taylor, et al. (District of Columbia Superior Court)—Obtained felony murder convictions as the prosecutor in a matter involving multiple defendants and where the medical examiner listed the cause of death as “undetermined.” U.S. v. Fields (District of Columbia Superior Court)—Obtained a murder conviction as the prosecutor in a high-profile trial in which the defendant testified before the jury to an alibi defense, only to admit to having committed the crime under cross-examination.

Recognition

Honors

500 Leading Litigators in America

Lawdragon

February 2026

Recognized by Lawdragon as one of 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023–2026).

White Collar Criminal Defense

The Legal 500 U.S.

May 2021

(2013–2021)

Antitrust – Civil Litigation/Class Actions: Defense

The Legal 500 U.S.

August 2018

Antitrust

The Legal 500 U.S.

April 2014

(2012–2014)

White Collar, Regulatory & Compliance Trailblazers

National Law Journal

February 2018

Pillsbury partner William M. Sullivan Jr. has been named a White Collar, Regulatory & Compliance Trailblazer in a new supplement published by the National Law Journal. The NLJ reportedly received hundreds of nominations, and Sullivan is one of just 25 individuals to achieve the Trailblazers distinction as someone who continues to make their mark in white collar litigation.

Link

White Collar Crime & Government Investigations—DC

Chambers USA

September 2009

(2008–2009)

Publications & speeches

Reshaped Priorities: Navigating Changes to FCPA and FARA Enforcement

www.pillsburylaw.com

February 2025

On February 10, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pause enforcement of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), citing concerns over the competitive disadvantage that it imposes on U.S. businesses. Just days earlier, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum signaling a narrowing of DOJ enforcement priorities with respect to the FCPA and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This alert provides an overview of the current state of FCPA and FARA enforcement, discussing the compliance implications of new DOJ policy for companies engaged in cross-border trade.

Link

New Congress, More Scrutiny? Preparing for Congressional Oversight and Investigations

www.pillsburylaw.com

January 2025

As the 119th Congress begins, with Republicans taking control of both the House and Senate for the first time in five years, companies and nonprofit organizations should anticipate a surge in congressional investigations. Unified control of Congress, coupled with President-elect Trump in the White House, positions Republicans to pursue a sweeping oversight agenda. The question isn’t if there will be investigations—it’s who will be targeted and how to prepare.

Link

Is the “Revered Tradition of Amateurism” Over for College Sports?

www.pillsburylaw.com

June 2024

In 1984, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that “[t]he [National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)] plays a critical role in the maintenance of a revered tradition of amateurism in college sports.” To uphold this “revered tradition,” the NCAA needed “ample latitude” to set and enforce its rules without outside interference. For the next three-and-a-half decades, this principle could be relied upon by the NCAA in defense of its rulemaking authority and in response to pressure to rescind compensation restrictions on student-athletes.

Link

When the Tigers Broke Free: A Primer on the Clemson/Atlantic Coast Conference Lawsuits

www.pillsburylaw.com

March 2024

On March 19, 2024, Clemson University (Clemson) filed suit against its athletics conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), in Pickens County, South Carolina. Clemson’s lawsuit challenges two contractual obligations critical to the ACC’s stability as a premier collegiate athletics conference: (i) the ACC’s approximately $140 million fee to withdraw as a member of the conference, and (ii) the scope of member schools’ contractual granting of their media rights to the ACC as irrevocable through 2036, even if that school leaves the ACC. The following day, the ACC filed a countersuit in North Carolina asking the court to find exactly the opposite and grant other relief.

Link

Another Brick in the Wall: NCAA Enjoined from Enforcing NIL Rules Prohibiting Student-Athletes from Negotiating with Third Parties

www.pillsburylaw.com

March 2024

On February 23, 2024, U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) from enforcing any rules to the extent those rules “prohibit[] student-athletes from negotiating compensation for [name, image, or likeness (“NIL”)] with any third-party entity,” including boosters and booster-led collectives. On March 1, 2024, NCAA President Charlie Baker issued an open letter to all member institutions acknowledging the decision and stating that the NCAA would not punish conduct consistent with the court’s injunction. Baker informed the membership that the Division I Board of Directors directed the NCAA’s enforcement staff to pause investigations “involving third-party participation in NIL-related activities” and expressed that the NCAA was “eager” to work with the plaintiff attorneys general for the Commonwealth of Virginia and State of Tennessee to “reach a common understanding[.]”

Link

Tax Fraud and Tax Crimes

Georgetown University Law Center

May 2017

Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center

How to Resolve Ethical Dilemmas and Constraints on Whistleblower and Corruption Investigations

American Conference Institute’s 32nd International Conference on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

November 2015

Senior Executives under the Microscope: How to Protect and Defend Yourself during an FCPA Investigation

American Conference Institute’s 7th Annual Chicago FCPA Boot Camp — Chicago

March 2015

Navigating India – U.S. Cross-Border Bribery and Corruption Risks

Ernst & Young India Webinar

August 2014

Considerations of Making Voluntary Disclosures to the Government – Whether, When and How

American Conference Institute’s 8th Annual Houston FCPA Boot Camp — Houston, Texas

January 2014