Laurie Sullivan practices in the area of Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense. Laurie’s practice focuses on advising clients on compliance and enforcement matters involving United States International Trade laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), sanction regulations administered by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and antiboycott regulations. She assists clients with internal investigations, preparing voluntary disclosures and drafting internal compliance policies and procedures.
Laurie also has significant experience representing clients in a variety of complex business disputes involving franchise and petroleum marketing, antitrust and trade regulation, contract disputes, and business torts. She regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels, and has defended clients in investigations by the Department of Justice.
Laurie serves on the firm’s E-Discovery and Information Governance Group and advises her colleagues and clients on the proper procedures for the preservation, collection, review and production of clients’ electronic data.
- CALI Award for Legal Ethics (2000)
- American Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Member: Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court (2011-Present)
- World Canine Freestyle Organization: Board Member; volunteer exhibitor at fundraisers for animal welfare organizations across Southern New England.
Twenty-four State Analysis of Franchise and Distribution Laws
We conducted an analysis of state and federal franchising and distribution and other laws applicable in 24 states to the franchisor's business relationship and furnished advice to a franchisor in connection with the expansion of its business into those jurisdictions.
Successful Pre-trial Win on Franchise and Robinson-Patman Act Claims Brought by 32 Franchisees
Successfully defended a franchisor in the Southern District of New York in a suit brought by 32 franchisees claiming violation of the Robinson-Patman Act, breach of the franchise agreements, violation of New York business law, violation of the PMPA and other franchise-related claims. Obtained favorable rulings on a number of motions to dismiss and for summary judgment (Atlantic Autocare, et al. v. Motiva Enterprises LLC, 605 F. Supp. 2d 463 (S.D.N.Y 2009)), with the result that all claims by all plaintiffs were disposed of or withdrawn prior to trial.