Michael J. Sullivan, Esq.

Professional Experience

Michael Sullivan is a Partner in FRB’s Trusts & Estates Litigation and Probate & Administration of Trusts & Estates Practice Groups. He represents executors, trustees and beneficiaries in complex disputes involving wills, trusts, and estate planning entities, guiding clients through emotionally and financially significant matters with clarity and precision.

Michael has substantial experience litigating matters concerning the validity of wills and trusts, the rights of interested persons to receive inheritances, life insurance proceeds, and retirement assets, and disputes over the proper management and administration of estates and trusts. He regularly appears in court on behalf of fiduciaries and beneficiaries, helping clients protect their interests while navigating the procedural and substantive complexities of estate litigation.

In addition to contested matters, Michael advises fiduciaries on estate and trust administration, working to ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable law while minimizing conflict and risk. His practice is informed by a practical understanding of how estate planning documents operate in real-world situations, particularly when family dynamics, financial pressures or allegations of misconduct arise.

Michael is admitted to practice in the courts of the States of New York and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, the Eastern District of New York, the Southern District of New York, and the United States Tax Court. His multi-jurisdictional admissions allow him to assist clients in matters that cross state boundaries.

Michael is known for his ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance, helping clients make informed decisions during difficult and often high-stakes disputes. He approaches each matter with a focus on strategy, efficiency and achieving outcomes aligned with his clients’ objectives.