Alicia Sullivan
Alicia Sullivan serves as Consumer Advocacy Counsel at the New York State Department of Public Service, where she champions the interests of utility consumers across the state. With nearly a decade in this role, she works to ensure fair, transparent, and accessible energy and telecommunications services for New Yorkers. Alicia brings deep legal expertise and a passion for public service to her role, contributing to regulatory proceedings and advocating for policies that protect and empower consumers.
Before joining the Department of Public Service in 2016, Alicia held a range of legal roles within New York State government, including as Associate and Senior Attorney with NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and other state agencies. Her legal career spans over two decades and includes time in both private practice and public service. Her early experience at firms such as Wilson Elser and Sullivan, Cunningham, Keenan, Mraz & Lemire provided a solid foundation in litigation and legal advocacy, which she now applies in a consumer-focused regulatory context.
Alicia earned her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the State University of New York at Cortland. Based in Sloansville, New York, she continues to be a dedicated advocate for equity and accountability in public service. With a career defined by integrity, diligence, and a commitment to the greater good, Alicia remains a respected voice in New York’s legal and regulatory landscape.
• Albany Law School
• State University of New York Cortland
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, practical experience, and the ability to connect with people. I didn’t get into law school right away, so I worked in a law firm as a clerk and secretary, which gave me a strong foundation in the legal field. Over the years, I’ve worked in private practice, policy, litigation, and regulation, eventually serving eight years as Deputy Counsel before stepping into my current role as an Administrative Law Judge—a position I truly enjoy for its focus on fairness and impartiality. Interestingly, my time as a bartender also played a role in my development. It taught me how to listen, manage stress, and engage with people from all backgrounds—skills that continue to serve me well in my legal career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always speak truth to power. As a union attorney working with management-side clients, I’ve often found myself in situations where the truth wasn’t easy to hear—but standing firm in my principles and upholding the rule of law has always been my guide. Even when it hasn’t been the most convenient or advantageous path, I’ve learned that staying true to myself and practicing with integrity and ethical responsibility is what ultimately defines a meaningful and lasting career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering the legal field is to stay calm and not get caught up in the drama. With experience, especially in roles like being an administrative judge, you learn what truly matters and what’s worth your energy. Professional growth comes from knowing when to let things go and focusing on what moves you forward. Learning that early on can save you a lot of time, stress, and unnecessary distraction.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the legal and public service field right now is maintaining public trust while navigating increasingly complex regulatory and social issues. As laws evolve and political climates shift, there’s often pressure from multiple sides—but our role is to remain impartial, ethical, and focused on the facts. That can be difficult, especially when public perception or internal dynamics create tension. At the same time, there's a significant opportunity to lead with transparency and integrity. There’s growing recognition of the importance of fairness, equity, and access to justice—particularly in administrative law. This creates space for professionals who are committed to doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, and who are willing to adapt while still upholding core legal principles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, service, and accountability. Growing up with a mother who worked in government, I developed a deep respect for public service and chose to dedicate my own skills and education to making a meaningful impact through the civil service system. I take pride in using my intellectual abilities and strong organizational skills to deliver real results. One example I’m especially proud of was being brought in to manage a significant backlog of cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through hard work and strategic organization, I was able to help clear the backlog, get the agency back on track, and ultimately prevent federal penalties. For me, it’s not just about doing the job—it’s about doing it well and with purpose.