Sullivan & Cromwell Hired Appellate Practice Leads
The firm added two experienced attorneys to head its Supreme Court and appellate practice in Washington.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Sullivan & Cromwell announced the hiring of Jonathan Ellis and Michael Huston to lead its appellate practice. The firm also added Nicholas Crown as a partner to support the Washington office's growing legal operations.
Why it matters
Law firms frequently recruit high-profile clerks to bolster their appellate capabilities and navigate complex regulatory environments. This hiring move positions the firm to compete for high-stakes litigation cases involving Supreme Court and appellate matters.
The firm added three attorneys in a single expansion, including two new leaders who worked together for 5 years. The deal represents a significant investment in the Washington-based Supreme Court practice.
The players
Sullivan & Cromwell
A global law firm providing legal services to major corporations, financial institutions, and government entities.
Jonathan Ellis
An appellate attorney who previously served as co-chair of the McGuireWoods appeals and issues practice.
Michael Huston
An experienced litigator who previously chaired the appeals, issues and strategy practice group at Ashurst.
Nicholas Crown
A legal partner who previously served as senior counsel at Ashurst.
John Roberts
The Chief Justice of the United States who oversees the Supreme Court and manages its judicial proceedings.
The details
Jonathan Ellis, formerly of McGuireWoods, and Michael Huston, from Ashurst, will co-lead the appellate practice. Both attorneys previously served as clerks for Chief Justice John Roberts, providing them with significant insights into the high court's operations. The addition of Nicholas Crown as a partner provides further depth to the team's ability to handle complex appeals.
Timeline
Monday, October 5, 2026: Sullivan & Cromwell announced the hiring of the attorneys.
Market Landscape
This move follows a long-standing pattern in big-law hiring where firms recruit top judicial clerks to bolster appellate prestige. It marks a strategic commitment to high-stakes litigation in a competitive Washington legal market.
Operators facing federal litigation should monitor how these new leadership structures impact the firm's capacity for complex appeals. Evaluate your current outside counsel's appellate strength against this expanded Washington team to ensure your legal strategy remains robust.
The takeaway
Top-tier legal firms are actively securing appellate talent to gain a competitive edge in federal disputes. Business owners should track whether their legal counsel is maintaining the specific expertise required for high-level court interventions.
Further reading
For more on industry hiring trends, visit People.
