Dr. Ronald Sullivan

Professor

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Biography

Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. is a leading theorist in criminal law, criminal procedure, trial practice techniques, legal ethics, and race theory. He has served as the Faculty Director of Harvard's Trial Advocacy Workshop and as the Faculty Dean of Winthrop House, making him the first African American to hold this position in Harvard’s history. Throughout his career, Professor Sullivan has sought to represent clients in cases that the legal community often deems 'impossible,' including securing an acquittal in a high-profile double murder case and representing the family of Michael Brown in a significant wrongful death claim. He was instrumental in the creation of a Conviction Review Unit at the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, aimed at identifying and exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. His contributions extend beyond academia into public service, including advising on criminal justice initiatives during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College and Harvard Law School, Professor Sullivan has held positions in both private practice and public defense, and he is known for his extensive commentary and policy work in the fields of criminal justice and civil rights.

Research Interests

Experience

Jesse Climenko Clinical Professor

2019-01-01 — Present

Harvard Law School • Cambridge, MA

Teaching law with special focus on criminal law and the intersection of legal theory and practice.

Faculty Dean

2009-01-01 — 2019-01-01

Winthrop House at Harvard College • Cambridge, MA

Served as the Faculty Dean, making significant contributions to student life and diversity.

Director

— Present

Public Defender Service • Washington, D.C.

Directed services aimed at providing legal representation to indigent defendants.

Visiting Scholar

1994-01-01 — 1994-12-31

Law Society, Kenya • Nairobi, Kenya

Worked on drafting human rights policies and monitoring abuses.

Awards

#

Outstanding Teaching Award

Courses

Cash, Crime, Constitution: Legal Frontiers Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Trial Advocacy Workshop

Requirements for Harvard Law School

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
J.D. from an ABA-approved U.S. law school or a first law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) from a foreign law school
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • CV/Résumé
  • Personal statements (Parts A and B)
  • At least two recommendations
  • Official transcripts and diplomas
  • Official TOEFL report (if applicable)
  • Application fee ($85)
Specialization Notes

Applied for under 'Department of Law', 'Department of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law', 'Department of Constitutional Law', 'Department of Japanese Legal Studies', and 'Department of Human Rights'.