David Sullivan is a trial lawyer with 30 years of experience as a federal prosecutor. As an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, he led the prosecution of hundreds of cases and offers clients a deep understanding of litigation strategy in federal civil and criminal jury and bench trials. David’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, advising financial institutions on compliance with federal laws and regulations, and representing individuals and businesses in government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions.
During his decades as a prosecutor, David handled a wide range of civil and criminal matters with a focus on money laundering and asset forfeiture. He has defended the United States in civil cases involving federal tort claims, employment discrimination, and civil rights matters. David also led the District of Connecticut’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, where he oversaw criminal and civil forfeiture matters for the Office.
David draws upon this experience to advise financial institution clients on compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering (AML) rules, conduct due diligence and program audits, and defend them in related civil litigation. His extensive experience conducting financial investigations as a federal prosecutor also enables him to assist clients in conducting internal investigations or responding to government investigations concerning possible AML violations or related fraud.
In 2004, David completed a 16-month assignment as the Money Laundering/Asset Forfeiture Coordinator for the Department of Justice, acting as the national representative and legal advisor for the 94 United States Attorney’s offices across the country. As part of an inter-agency task force, he worked to improve policy and inter-agency coordination and communication on money laundering and asset forfeiture issues following the attacks of September 11. From this role, David earned a reputation as a respected instructor. He was regularly invited to train agents at several federal agencies, including the US Departments of State and Treasury, the FBI, and the IRS on the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes and has also lectured at the International Law Enforcement Academy training federal judges, prosecutors, and international law enforcement officials.
David holds an LLM in taxation and led the investigations and prosecutions of many criminal tax cases, involving tax evasion and fraud. He also handled the enforcement of IRS administrative summonses and writs of entry and health care fraud matters. This technical tax background combined with his knowledge of civil and criminal procedures gives David a unique understanding of tax disputes and allows him to skillfully and effectively help clients navigate tax-related controversies and investigations.
David regularly teaches graduate level courses on money laundering and criminal tax investigations at the University of New Haven. He has served as an adjunct professor at Yale Law School and Western Connecticut State University. He has also been an instructor at numerous federal agencies including the US Secret Service, ATF, DEA, and state and local law enforcement organizations.
