John T. Sullivan

• Defended three major financial institutions against False Claims Act allegations, obtaining dismissal in the District Court, which was upheld on appeal, with millions of dollars of alleged damages and potential debarment at stake.
• Represented a Canadian private equity company in Travis County District Court, obtaining dismissal of claims alleging breaches of representations in an asset purchase agreement where plaintiff sought more than US$19 million in damages.
• Represented a technology company in a dispute involving alleged breaches of contract, fraud, tortious interference, unfair competition, and trade secret misappropriation.
• United States of America ex rel. Magee v. Texas Heart Hospital of the Southwest LLP et al. (E.D. Tex.). Counsel for relators in a kickback case, wherein relators brought claims under the False Claims Act. Shortly before trial, the defendants settled for US$48 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.
• U.S. ex rel. Hernandez v. Team Health LLC et al. (E.D. Tex). Counsel for one of the largest emergency room staffing companies in the U.S. defending claims under the False Claims Act.
• Defended a private equity fund against claims of negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, and a declaratory action regarding a restrictive covenant in connection with an a multi-million dollar transaction. Obtained dismissal of all claims and was awarded attorneys’ fees in the Trial Court.
• Represented multiple businesses in bringing claims relating to departing employees and misappropriation of confidential information and trade secrets, including successfully obtaining injunctive relief.
• Represented a defense contractor in a confidential internal investigation.
• Represented an oil and gas company in a confidential dispute involving a wild well incident, obtaining a favorable settlement prior to trial.
• Represented a financial institution in a case involving a breach of contract.
• Represented international construction companies in a dispute involving alleged fraudulent transfers and breach of fiduciary duties, obtaining favorable settlement prior to trial.
• Obtained a temporary restraining order for a retail business in a real estate dispute.

John is a trial lawyer with significant courtroom experience in both federal and state courts (including the Texas Business Court), as well as arbitrations. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation for corporations and individuals across a wide variety of industries, as well as internal investigations and white-collar criminal defense.

John represents clients at all stages of litigation and has extensive dispositive motion, deposition, oral argument, and trial experience, and works closely with witnesses to prepare them for deposition and trial testimony. John has served as a key member of multiple trial teams, including obtaining injunctive relief, second chair experience, opening statements, and examining witnesses. John frequently represents clients in matters involving breach of contract, fraud, trade secrets, fiduciary duties, class actions, the False Claims Act, and other business disputes and regulatory matters. His experience also includes providing pre-litigation and regulatory counseling, engaging in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and obtaining favorable settlements.

John was previously selected to serve as an Assistant District Attorney at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office through its lawyer on loan program where he tried multiple criminal jury trials to verdict, handling everything from voir dire through closing argument. John maintains an active pro bono practice with a variety of commercial and civil rights matters, and during law school served as an intern to the Honorable Robert E. Gerber, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of New York.