Courtney Ranae Sullivan

Criminal Defense Attorney Courtney Sullivan is licensed to practice in Arizona and has years of experience defending clients from all walks of life, focusing specially on those who need rehabilitation.

Courtney knew she wanted to be a criminal defense attorney when she was in junior high and read Stephen King’s “The Green Mile.” She has always had a passion for helping people and knew she wanted to dedicate her career to helping people who were treated unfairly in the legal system.

Courtney believes everyone deserves to be treated fairly regardless of circumstance and is especially passionate about advocating for clients who have committed their offenses as a result of personal tragedy and mental health afflictions who tend to be pushed through the system without having a chance to receive the help they need.

Throughout law school and since becoming a licensed attorney, Courtney has dedicated her practice to criminal defense, handling misdemeanor and felony cases in Maricopa County Superior Court as well as municipal and justice courts throughout Arizona.

During law school, Courtney focused on practical experience, externing for the Arizona Court of Appeals and Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender, as well as working for multiple private criminal defense firms, and volunteering for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.

The highlight of Courtney’s practical work experience during law school was completing the Public Defender Clinic, through which she was able to practice with real clients in court and gain real-time experience with early disposition court, plea agreements and sentencing proceedings, mitigation, and trials.

Courtney graduated from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law a semester early so she could complete the bar exam early and continue working for private law firms while pending admission to the State Bar of Arizona.

Courtney has extensive professional experience outside the legal world that easily tie into her criminal defense practice. Courtney based her education and career path on her exceptional writing skills and ability to easily communicate with people.

She completed her high school curriculum in three years and spent the fourth year taking college courses. She received her B.A. in Journalism from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, in just three years.

During her time at Iowa State, Courtney served as a copy editor at Ethos Magazine, and was selected to help run the magazine as a Co-Managing Editor in her second year. After graduating from Iowa State, Courtney worked in publishing for a crop insurance company, and then successfully sold cars before beginning her Master’s program.

Courtney is currently Co-President of the Iowa State Alumni Club of Phoenix and enjoys planning activities for her fellow alumni and working closely with the Alumni office to spread the Cyclone Spirit nationwide.

Courtney relocated to Arizona in August 2010, when she began student teaching at Scottsdale middle and high schools while obtaining her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California.

Courtney graduated from USC in May 2011 and spent her summer working with low-income children at the Boys and Girls Club, prior to teaching 8th grade English at Anthem School.

Courtney’s grasp of the English language and affinity for writing, negotiation skills, and patience and understanding are essential skills she uses on a daily basis in handling each unique case as it demands.

In her spare time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband Kevin, their dog Riley, and friends and family. Courtney loves to travel, exploring new places and meeting new people. Obviously, she would not be where she is without her curiosity, passion for reading and keeping others in check, and above all, without the support of her family.