In 1879 , Sullivan was admitted to the Bar , became known as a skilled trial attorney , and in 1889 joined his brother in the firm of Sullivan & Sullivan . By 1912 , San Francisco Police Commissioner Theodore J. Roche joined the law firm , re-named Sullivan , Sullivan & Roche . Sullivan rose to prominence in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake when he and childhood friend , James Rolph , Jr. , set up emergency aid stations in the neighborhoods . Afterwards , Sullivan and Senator Hiram Johnson prosecuted the famous post-fire bribe and graft case against San Francisco supervisor , Abe Ruef . In July 1913 , Sullivan was appointed a special prosecutor with the United States Attorney 's Office . When Johnson later became Governor , he appointed Sullivan to the Supreme Court in September 1914 . On November 3 , 1914 , Sullivan was elected for the remainder of the short term expiring January 4 , 1915 . After stepping down from the bench , Sullivan resumed private practice , remained active in politics , and led a series of civic improvements . When his friend James Rolph became first Mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to 1931 , and then Governor of California from 1931 until 1934 , Sullivan served as a close political advisor
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Matt Sullivan