Matt Sullivan

Matt Ignatius Sullivan (November 3, 1857 – August 6, 1937) was the 16th Chief Justice of California. Appointed by Governor Hiram Johnson, Sullivan served from August 22, 1914, to January 4, 1915.

Biography Sullivan was born in Grass Valley, California, one of eight children of Michael M. and Margaret Sullivan. In 1863, the family moved to the Mission District of San Francisco. He attended public and parochial schools, graduating with an A.B. degree from St. Ignatius College (later named University of San Francisco). He continued reading law with his older brother, Jeremiah F. Sullivan, who also served as a judge of the San Francisco County Superior Court and on the California Supreme Court (the only instance where siblings have served on that court).

In 1879, Sullivan was admitted to the Bar, became known as a skilled trial attorney, and in 1889 joined his brother in the firm of Sullivan & Sullivan. By 1912, San Francisco Police Commissioner Theodore J. Roche joined the law firm, renamed Sullivan, Sullivan & Roche. Sullivan rose to prominence in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake when he and childhood friend, James Rolph Jr., set up emergency aid stations in the neighborhoods. Afterwards, Sullivan and Senator Hiram Johnson prosecuted the famous post-fire bribe and graft case against San Francisco supervisor, Abe Ruef. In July 1913, Sullivan was appointed a special prosecutor with the United States Attorney's Office. When Johnson later became Governor, he appointed Sullivan to the Supreme Court in September 1914. On November 3, 1914, Sullivan was elected for the remainder of the short term expiring January 4, 1915.

Law school dean From September 1912, Sullivan served as the first dean of the law school at St. Ignatius (University of San Francisco) until his death in 1937.

Personal life A bachelor, he lived with his brother, John, and sister, Mary McCarthy.