Barry Pollack, a name synonymous with high-stakes legal battles, has once again found himself in the spotlight. Known for his expertise in defending high-profile clients, Pollack has taken on the representation of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who faces severe narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking charges in a New York court.
Pollack's career, spanning over three decades, is marked by his representation of corporate executives, political figures, and defendants in high-profile federal trials. His most recent high-profile case involved the release of WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, in an espionage case.
The case against Maduro is being overseen by Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a veteran jurist known for his independence and long tenure on the federal bench. Hellerstein, appointed by former President Bill Clinton in 1998, has a distinguished career and is currently 92 years old.
Pollack's involvement in Maduro's case is expected to bring a complex defense strategy, potentially including arguments around sovereign immunity given Maduro's disputed presidency in Venezuela.
Maduro, currently 63 years old, was captured in a dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026, and was subsequently appeared in a New York court. This high-stakes case is set to test the legal system's boundaries, and Pollack's expertise will be crucial in navigating the intricate legal landscape.
