Part of what makes Sullivan such a unique place is our people, so we'd like to introduce you to some of them in a series of posts. We asked associates around the firm why they chose Sullivan and how their experiences have been since joining us.
Erika Todd received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2013, and came to Sullivan as a lateral associate. Her practice includes complex, commercial and employment matters, and she is a member of the Art and Museum Law practice group. Erika is also a director of the Harvard Law School Association of Massachusetts, where she leads an annual mentoring program and coordinates other initiatives.
Why did you choose Sullivan?
I liked the fact that Sullivan combined the resources of a bigger firm, including an international presence, with the individual attention on associate development of a smaller firm. That balance makes Sullivan unique among the firms I considered.
Has your experience been what you expected?
Yes, but in some ways, it’s been better. The partners I’ve worked with have sincerely enjoyed working with associates and appreciate our input and thoughts on cases. The collegiality and warmth I’ve experienced have exceeded my expectations.
How would you describe the culture at Sullivan?
We’re hard-working and take our work product very seriously, but at the same time, we truly enjoy working with each other.
What have you been working on lately?
In one of my ongoing cases, Sullivan represents the heirs of Holocaust victims who sold the Guelph Treasure – a collection of medieval art – under duress in 1935 to agents of the Prussian government. The collection was presented to Hitler as a “surprise gift.” The Guelph Treasure is now in a German state museum, and we are seeking to have it returned. Last year, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that our clients have the right to bring their lawsuit in the U.S. under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Last month, that same court dismissed the defendants' petition to rehear en banc the ruling that the plaintiffs may pursue their claims in U.S. federal court. One of the defendants has announced that it plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for certiorari.
