12 January 2026
Barry Pollack
In an era where legal battles are as consequential as political ones, one name has risen to global prominence: Barry J. Pollack, the distinguished American trial attorney now defending Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in one of the most complex legal theatres of our time.
A Legal Mind Forged for High Stakes
Barry Pollack is not a run-of-the-mill lawyer — he is widely regarded in the United States and abroad as one of the nation’s most respected and accomplished criminal defence attorneys. With a career in federal litigation that now spans more than three decades, Pollack has built a reputation for mastering some of the most sensitive and high-profile cases imaginable.
A graduate of Indiana University and Georgetown University Law Center, Pollack’s legal journey has taken him from clerking for a federal judge to becoming a partner at Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler, a prestigious firm known for elite trial advocacy in Washington D.C. and New York.
Champion of the Complex, Defender of the Controversial
Pollack’s name rose to international prominence through his role as the principal defence counsel for Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. In one of the most scrutinised national security cases of the decade, Pollack navigated fierce U.S. government opposition, culminating in a negotiated plea agreement in 2024 that allowed Assange’s release — a legal outcome few believed possible.
This achievement demonstrated not just legal skill, but strategic vision — blending constitutional insight, negotiation acumen, and unrelenting advocacy under pressure. Pollack’s ability to handle such a complex international matter has become part of his professional legend.
A Leader in the Legal Profession
Pollack’s peers recognise his extraordinary standing. He is a former president of the National Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers, a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers — accolades that testify to his broad respect among top defence counsel nationwide.
Chambers USA, a leading legal directory, describes him as a lawyer who “lives, breathes and sleeps trials, with a natural way in front of juries that few can match.” Beyond his courtroom work, Pollack also teaches law at Georgetown, passing on his deep understanding of federal trial advocacy to the next generation of legal minds.
Now: A Defence Like Few Others
When President Nicolás Maduro was brought to the United States to face federal charges, he made a bold and strategic choice in retaining Barry Pollack to lead his defence team. Pollack’s role in the Manhattan federal court is not simply legal representation — it is a signal of principle, resilience, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that even the most controversial defendants receive a rigorous, professional defence.
Pollack’s approach underscores both a deep command of federal criminal procedure and a willingness to tackle the broader international law questions raised in the case — including issues around jurisdiction, diplomatic immunity, and the legality of extraordinary actions taken by states and their agents.
The Heart of a Defender
For Pollack, the law is not just a profession — it is a calling rooted in protecting the rights of individuals against the immense power of government. In his own words in prior interviews, he emphasises the human dimension of his work: forming respectful, trust-based relationships with clients who find themselves facing life-altering legal storms.
It’s a rare quality in the legal profession — one that has seen Pollack not only win improbable outcomes in courtrooms, but earn the respect of judges, jurors, and fellow lawyers alike.
In the Courtroom and Beyond
As this unprecedented legal saga unfolds, Barry Pollack stands at its centre — a testament to American legal excellence and the enduring power of skilled, principled advocacy. Whether in negotiating international plea agreements or defending presidents on the global stage, Pollack’s career is defined by courage under fire and a relentless belief in the rule of law.
This is a lawyer whose legacy is still being written — and one whose brilliance will long be remembered in legal history.
