Our Attorneys
Former federal prosecutors, State Department officials, military JAG officers, and internationally recognized human rights advocates — each with decades of experience in cross-border criminal defense, consular law, and international treaty negotiations.
World-Class Legal Representation
The attorneys at SSN LEGAL AID are selected through a rigorous process prioritizing deep expertise in specific foreign legal systems. Our recruitment focuses on practitioners with direct courtroom experience in foreign jurisdictions — attorneys who have argued before foreign magistrates, negotiated with foreign prosecutors, and navigated local detention systems first-hand.
Every attorney holds a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, maintains active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, and possesses documented experience in international criminal defense. Many hold dual qualifications — admitted to practice in both U.S. and foreign jurisdictions — allowing them to operate directly in foreign courtrooms without requiring local co-counsel.
Our attorneys undergo continuous training in the evolving landscape of international detention law, including changes to prisoner transfer treaties, updates to consular notification compliance standards, and developments in the application of the Robert Levinson Act and the James W. Foley Hostage Recovery Act.
Experienced in courtrooms across 150+ countries
Areas of Specialization
Foreign Criminal Defense
Wrongful Detention
Consular Rights
Prisoner Transfers
Military/SOFA Cases
Expense Recovery
Robert J. Harrington
Senior Partner
International Criminal Defense & Extradition Law
Robert J. Harrington is one of America's foremost authorities on international detention and extradition law. With over...
Sarah Mitchell-Clarke
Managing Partner
Foreign Detention & Human Rights Law
Sarah Mitchell-Clarke has dedicated her career to defending the rights of Americans held in foreign prisons. A Yale Law...
James D. Whitfield III
Partner
Middle Eastern & African Detention Law
James D. Whitfield III is a former JAG Corps officer turned international defense attorney who specializes in Middle Eas...
Maria Elena Rodriguez
Partner
Latin American Detention & Immigration Law
Maria Elena Rodriguez is a bilingual attorney specializing in Latin American detention cases. Born in Miami to Cuban-Ame...
David Chen-Williams
Senior Associate
Asian-Pacific Detention & Trade Law
David Chen-Williams brings unique expertise in East Asian and Pacific legal systems. Fluent in Mandarin and Japanese, he...
Patricia Anne Sullivan
Senior Associate
European Detention & Extradition Defense
Patricia Anne Sullivan specializes in European detention cases, with particular expertise in EU extradition proceedings,...
What Sets Our Attorneys Apart
Unlike general practice law firms that occasionally handle an international case, our attorneys dedicate their entire practice to the defense of Americans detained abroad. This singular focus means they understand the nuances of foreign legal systems in ways that general practitioners simply cannot.
Many of our senior attorneys previously served as federal prosecutors with the DOJ's Criminal Division, military Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers deployed overseas, or State Department Foreign Service Officers specializing in American Citizens Services. This background provides invaluable insight into both the legal and diplomatic dimensions of international detention cases.
Deep expertise in international legal frameworks
Professional Affiliations & Honors
American Bar Association
International Law Section — recognized for contributions to consular rights litigation.
International Criminal Bar
Members actively participate in advocacy for fair trial standards worldwide.
Super Lawyers International
Multiple attorneys named to the annual Super Lawyers list for international defense.
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Active members contributing to cross-border defense best practices.
Need Immediate Representation?
We will assign a lead attorney to your case within hours of first contact.