The dramatic US court appearance of captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday was notable not just for the serious charges he faces, but for the high-profile legal counsel standing beside him. Maduro has enlisted Barry Pollack, the acclaimed American trial lawyer who successfully represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, securing his release from a UK prison earlier this year.
A Formidable Legal Defender Takes the Case
Barry Pollack, a partner at the Wall Street firm Harris St Laurent & Wechsler, will act as Maduro's private counsel. The law office is situated just minutes from the New York federal courthouse where Maduro pleaded not guilty to a series of grave accusations. The US government has charged Maduro with conspiracy to commit drug-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, branding him a "narco-terrorist" and an "illegitimate president." If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
Pollack's involvement immediately signals a robust defence. In his first act representing Maduro, reported by CNN, Pollack challenged the legality of the Venezuelan leader's abduction by US forces during a raid in Caracas last Saturday. He further argued that Maduro is entitled to head-of-state immunity as the leader of a sovereign nation.
From Assange to Maduro: A Lawyer for Landmark Cases
Pollack's reputation was cemented through his years-long representation of Julian Assange. He ultimately negotiated a plea deal that concluded a sprawling international legal saga, allowing the Australian activist to walk free in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US defence documents. Assange had spent five years in London's Belmarsh prison and seven years confined to the Ecuadorian embassy.
Reflecting on the Assange case in an April interview with Law Dragon, Pollack highlighted the complexity of dealing with multiple governments. His insights may prove relevant for Maduro's defence. "Typically, when I meet with a client, they are facing what may be the worst crisis that they have ever faced," Pollack said, adding that guiding them through it is "enormously gratifying." He emphasised building deep client relationships, stating, "It’s somebody that I’ve come to know and respect."
Beyond Assange, Pollack's notable victories include securing the acquittal of former Enron accountant Michael Krautz and helping to overturn the wrongful conviction of Martin Tankleff, who served 17 years for his parents' murder.
The Legal Strategy and Stakes Ahead
Pollack's defence of Maduro will present a distinct challenge from the Assange case, which was resolved through a negotiated plea. Securing Maduro's freedom against charges of this magnitude will likely require a different tactical approach, potentially focusing on jurisdictional arguments and the circumstances of his capture.
In his professional assessment, Pollack has described his strength as an ability to translate complex information for a jury. "I’m able to talk to a jury and explain the evidence in a way that makes sense to them – that shows them that the government’s way of looking at the facts is not the only way to look at the facts," he told Law Dragon. This skill will be critical in countering the US government's narrative.
The legal community holds Pollack in high esteem. Chambers USA profiles him as a "thorough and deep-thinking lawyer" who "lives, breathes and sleeps trials, and has such a natural way in front of juries." His credentials are further bolstered by his roles as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
As the case proceeds, all eyes will be on how Pollack navigates one of the most politically charged criminal trials in recent memory, pitting the sovereignty claims of Venezuela against the expansive reach of US justice.
