When Nicolás Maduro appeared this week before a federal court in New York, media attention focused not only on the Venezuelan leader facing drug trafficking charges, but also on the man standing beside him: Barry Pollack, one of the most experienced and respected criminal defense attorneys in the United States.

Pollack has taken over as Maduro’s lead counsel in the case being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York, where the Venezuelan president faces charges of narcotics conspiracy, cocaine importation, and possession of automatic weapons and destructive devices.

During his first court appearance, Maduro pleaded not guilty, claimed he had been kidnapped, and insisted he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.

At 61, Barry Pollack is a partner at the law firm Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler, based on Wall Street, just blocks from the federal courthouse. He also teaches at Georgetown University Law Center, one of the most influential legal institutions in the country.

Legal experts say Pollack’s selection reflects a deliberate strategy. “A top-tier lawyer like Pollack can secure acquittals even in extremely difficult cases,” said William Schabas, professor of international law at Middlesex University in London.

A meticulous and seasoned litigator

According to his firm’s profile, Pollack is “widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers,” with more than three decades of experience handling sensitive and high-profile cases. He previously served as president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a role reserved for elite figures in the profession.

Chambers USA describes him as a “meticulous and thoughtful” attorney who “lives and breathes his cases” and possesses a natural ability to connect with juries. Pollack himself has said his strength lies in translating complex legal and technical concepts into language jurors can understand.

The Assange precedent

Pollack gained global prominence in 2024 for negotiating the plea agreement that secured Julian Assange’s release in the WikiLeaks case. Facing charges under the U.S. Espionage Act, Assange ultimately pleaded guilty to a single conspiracy count, receiving a sentence already served.

The deal allowed him to walk free after years of detention and exile, cementing Pollack’s reputation as a lawyer capable of resolving politically charged cases at the highest level.

A high-stakes defense

As Nicolás Maduro’s trial unfolds, Pollack is expected to deploy arguments centered on international law, jurisdiction, and head-of-state immunity. Whether those arguments will succeed in U.S. courts remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: with Barry Pollack at the helm, the legal battle has entered a new and highly consequential phase.