Celebrating Women’s History Month: Employee Spotlight - Patricia Sullivan

Partner Patricia Sullivan has accumulated a wide range of expertise and experience over the course of her 42-year career. Ms. Sullivan describes herself as a "Lifer" at BMM, having started while still a law student, progressed as an associate, and then honored to be named a partner of the firm. According to Ms. Sullivan, with each case file assigned, she gained experience under the guidance of some very seasoned and respected members of the legal profession.

Ms. Sullivan’s practice specializes in professional liability, Labor Law, and other construction-related matters. Her representation of nationwide restaurant chains has included premises liability, as well as corporate compliance and attendance at hearings before the Environmental Control Board, OATH, and Criminal Courts. When recently interviewed, she responded as follows:

What is your favorite aspect of practicing law?

The practice of law involves conquering new intellectual challenges every day, interacting with all kinds of personalities, and encountering new fact patterns. My favorite aspect of being an attorney is being able to end the day knowing that the best possible outcome has been achieved.

In your career, what have been the most significant obstacles, and how did you overcome them?

My greatest obstacles have been sexism and gender bias. Throughout my career, I have faced pre-judgment, bullying, and harassment by male colleagues in the profession. It was necessary to work harder than the fellows in order to gain professional respect and acceptance by being extra-prepared and willing to take the lead.

As a new attorney, I was younger in age and appearance than many of my peers, such that there were times I felt my presence was summarily dismissed. Fortunately, I had already interned at BMM for three years, had been mentored by an excellent attorney in the handling of complex medical malpractice cases, and "knew my stuff" for someone my age.

It was common for male attorneys to direct me toward the stenographic equipment, thinking I was the court reporter. One, in particular, could not even fathom that I was his adversary, despite being informed by his receptionist that I was there as counsel, not a stenographer. In my younger days, I was physically shoved, fondled, and on the receiving end of derogatory remarks. As were some other female attorneys at the time, we were kept in Chambers as “eye candy” by a certain judge; such obstacles made it difficult to establish comradeship as an equal.

I quickly learned that I had to take immediate measures to inspire confidence by others in my abilities, whether I was working with co-workers, clients, or the courts. It took energy, time, and effort to address the sexism and prejudice. However, if left unaddressed, it could easily have resulted in low self-esteem, depression, or other negative effects which would just feed into the ignorance of those who were close-minded.

What advice would you give future attorneys?

I encourage those contemplating a career in law to work on developing skills rather than simply amassing knowledge, as those abilities will always support any future endeavors.

No matter the field of law, detailed reading, confident speaking, and persuasive writing are essential. There are also more subjective skills to be developed, including how to evaluate an adversary, identify the essence of a situation, negotiate, argue strong points, listen deeply, stay strong, or fold appropriately when the cards are against you. Empathy, honesty, and professionalism will always serve you well.

Name a woman in history that has inspired you.

I remain inspired by the life of Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu (1910-1997), more commonly known as “Mother Teresa,” who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She founded a missionary order, and her/their charitable works were simply amazing: tending to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, leprosy, tuberculosis, etc., when others would not do so, working with and living among those known as “the poorest of the poor,” and establishing innumerable soup kitchens, clinics, counseling programs, orphanages, and schools around the world.

She spoke five languages and was open to various religions, assisting the dying with respect and according to their faiths:  Muslims were read the Quran, Hindus received water from the Ganges, and Catholics received their “Last Rites.” Although herself a Catholic nun, as to her calling, she stated, “I belong to the world.” According to former U.N. Secretary-General Javier Perez de Guellar, “She is the United Nations. She is peace in the world.” One cannot help but be inspired by her determination and then her successes.

She is quoted as having said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” She was humble despite her achievements, but encouraged all to do something to make this world a better place: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” She valued collaboration: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” This one, small, diminutive person was not easily dissuaded: “Do not allow yourselves to be disheartened by any failure as long as you have done your best.” Her strong resolve, her ability to lead by words and example, and her resiliency are all to be admired. Her “Do It Anyway” words are truly motivational, as summed up, in part, by, “The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; give your best anyway.”