So, are you BLU?

Name: Robert Sullivan

Age: 34

City: New York City, NY

Work: Attorney

The definition of legacy includes "anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor," such as the legacy of ancient Rome; it also includes "an applicant to or student at a school that was attended by his or her parent" (both according to Random House’s Dictionary.com Unabridged v1.1).

A more concise definition of legacy is Robert G. Sullivan.

He is jokingly referred to as "The Dream," by friends and family, due in large part to his dashing personal style, optimistic attitude, winning charm and professional ambition. This legacy, commonly known as "Bobby," is not simply a shoe-in following in forefathers’ footsteps or a man riding the coattails of others. He is worthy of all he has accomplished, and a source of pride for those Sullivans before him.

Bobby’s grandfather graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 1953. His father was second to graduate from that school in 1973, later becoming the senior partner at Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, PC, a renowned legal firm occupying prime real estate in Manhattan, overlooking the work site that was once the Twin Towers. Bobby was the third Sullivan to graduate with a legal degree from St. John’s in 1999, with his younger brother Brian following close on his heels as the fourth, in 2000.

Now, Bobby and Brian together are Sullivan & Sullivan, LLP of Garden City, on Long Island. Their specialization is that of personal injury, but not of the daytime television variety that airs flashy commercials between Jerry Springer or Maury Povich Show episode segments, asking if you or a friend slipped on a banana peel in your local market. Theirs is a continuation of personal injury representation that is derived of generations of trial attorney experience in the most cutthroat of legal environments that is New York City. It is perpetuation of representation in some of the most well-known and highly broadcast injurious accidents in the country.

Bobby’s veins are filled with lifeblood from the American legal system and his heart beats with the energy to continue the traditions of his Irish American family. Often described as "experienced and aggressive," just like his father and grandfather, this young Sullivan of 34 years is also compassionate and clearly cares about the welfare of his clients.

Beyond the winning resume and occupational history of those Sullivans before him, Bobby is the eldest son to proud parents. He describes his mother lovingly, saying, "She is beautiful, vibrant, caring and nurturing. She is a great inspiration."

When asking a young attorney about their proudest moment to date, one would expect an answer laced with bragging of courtroom antics or accomplishments. Instead, Bobby wears his heart on his dapper sleeve, surprising those present by warmly gushing, "It would have to be in assisting in the adoptions of my youngest siblings, aged 9, 8, and 7 years."

In all things professional and private, this tight-knit clan of New Yorkers that surround "The Dream" appear to live by the mantra, "go big or go home."

As Bobby dresses for photographs and switches jackets, his Irish, devil-may-care outlook briefly shines through the ambitious, professional exterior, when asked if he is going to wear a particular blazer. "Oh no," he steadfastly replies, "that is one of my throwaways. I buy a lot of those, so when out having drinks with friends, I don’t have to worry if I ruin it or leave it in a booth somewhere."

Yes, this man enjoys the social life of a Manhattan cliché. Just about every photograph of him seems to contain six, eight, or ten ladies, with him sandwiched amongst the smiling, well-coiffed and statuesque women of New York, quaint Irish pub environments as backdrops. "I’m not a nightclub kind of guy. Pubs are much more my style," he says, as if one would question that in a man so genetically Irish and clearly loyal to the ways of generations past.

From those photographs, one might assume that monogamy is not a chosen path. But, perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of Bobby’s personality is that of respect of women, particularly his sisters, mother and girlfriend.

"I’ve recently realized that I am good at relationships. I’ve relearned romance. I used to be ‘Type-A,’ but I think my youngest siblings and my girlfriend have softened me."

As if revealing some centuries-old secret, his voice quiets slightly as he says, "I even took dance lessons. The first lesson required a little ‘social lubrication’ to get me there, but then I enjoyed it immensely. I can dance all of the classics."

Not bad secrets, a romantic side and classical dance talent.

He appears to be a dream child to his family, the Golden Son to proud parents who look to their children to accomplish as much or more than generations before them. "The Dream" doesn’t stop short of his own hopes and dreams, however.

"I just acquired a new 2008 BMW coupe," he grins like the Cheshire Cat. "I love it. But, I think a small jet is my ultimate dream."

Materialism aside, he maintains, "Life could not be better. My professional life is great. My family life is killer. I get to see my Mom and Dad every day if I want. My law firm is in my home town and I live in Manhattan. My business partner is my brother."

Yes, he is living the American Dream.

Aside from being a legacy, how did he get there? Does he deserve the gilded life? Those are questions quickly answered, when the man whose taste runs from AC DC to Celtic folk music, travel in Iceland and relaxation in his beach house, playing golf to snow skiing, eating Power Bars to gourmet chicken, weighs in with one winning statement: "I love everything my work provides for me. But, I believe that happiness in life is brought about by the quality of friends you share your drinks with. I think I’m doing quite well…but there is always room at the table."