Atty. Rosellen Sullivan
Rosellen was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Profile Summary
About Rosellen Sullivan at a glance
Rosellen Sullivan is a criminal defense attorney based in St John S, Newfoundland and Labrador, practicing at Sullivan Breen. Educated at University of Ottawa (—, 1995) and Dalhousie University (—). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defence (2026) and Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defence, St. John's (Canada) (2025). Serands clients in St John S, NL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Rosellen was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- She earned a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Ottawa in 1995 and obtained her law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1998
- Following her call to the bar, she worked with the Department of Justice until 2006
- During her time with the Department of Justice, Rosellen served as Junior Inquiry Counsel to Commissioner Antonio Lamer at the Lamer Inquiry, which examined three wrongful convictions in Newfoundland and Labrador
- This work fostered a strong interest in criminal defence, leading her to enter private practice in 2006 when she joined Robert Simmonds, KC
- She is currently a criminal defence lawyer with Sullivan Breen in St. John’s
- Rosellen practices exclusively in Criminal Defence and appears at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada
- Her work includes trial and appellate advocacy on a wide range of Criminal Code matters
- Rosellen has been a director of the Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers (CCCDL) since 2015
- The CCCDL is a national organization representing defence counsel and contributing to discussions on criminal justice and constitutional issues
- The organization has intervenor status before the Supreme Court of Canada and regularly appears before House of Commons and Senate committees
- On behalf of the CCCDL, Rosellen appeared before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-75 and proposed amendments to the Criminal Code
- Rosellen has been recognized by her peers for her work in criminal defence law and is a senior observing member of the Criminal Lawyers Association
- She has also served as a member of the Board of Regents at Memorial University
Practice Areas Explained
Rosellen Sullivan's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Rosellen Sullivan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
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Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Newfoundland and Labrador
Practicing law in Newfoundland and Labrador. Legal matters in Newfoundland and Labrador are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in St John S are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Newfoundland and Labrador state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Newfoundland and Labrador brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Newfoundland and Labrador courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Newfoundland and Labrador attorneys? Browse all attorneys in St John S or all attorneys in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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