Barry Pollack to Defend Nicolás Maduro: Meet the US Lawyer Who Freed Julian Assange

New York: In the aftermath of the U.S. military’s operation in Venezuela, which led to the detention of President Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader was presented in a New York federal court on Monday. Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism and money laundering. Representing him in this high-profile case is Barry J. Pollack, the renowned American defense attorney who previously secured the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2024.

Pollack, a partner at Harris, St. Laurent & Wachsler based in Washington, formally entered the case during Monday’s court proceedings. His involvement has sent ripples through diplomatic and legal circles in the United States, given his reputation for handling complex international and national security-related cases.

Pollack’s Reputation from the Assange Case

Barry Pollack gained prominence for negotiating the plea deal that led to Julian Assange’s release, ending a long legal battle between the WikiLeaks founder and U.S. authorities. This case strengthened Pollack’s reputation as a lawyer capable of navigating intricate legal challenges involving international law and national security.

With a career spanning over three decades, Pollack has defended numerous corporate executives, political figures, and other high-profile clients. He also played a critical role in overturning the conviction in the double-murder case of Martin Tankleff, who spent 17 years in prison before being acquitted.

Separate Counsel for Maduro’s Wife

While Pollack represents Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, is being defended separately by Mark E. Donnelly, a former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor. Donnelly confirmed in court that he will exclusively handle Flores’ defense.

Court Proceedings and Maduro’s Statement

During the brief initial hearing in New York, Maduro pleaded not guilty and told the judge that he had been abducted, denying all charges. Cilia Flores also entered a plea of not guilty. The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, and the next court session has been scheduled for March 17, 2026.

This marks a significant legal chapter, with Pollack leveraging his expertise in high-stakes, internationally sensitive cases to defend a sitting head of state.