an apparatus and method is disclosed for providing an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for compound semiconductor devices and circuits . the electrostatic discharge protection circuit comprises a first terminal and a second terminal . the electrostatic discharge protection circuit further comprises a transistor shunt element that is operably coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal ; the transistor shunt element is capable of providing a bi - directional discharge path between the first terminal and the second terminal . the electrostatic discharge protection circuit further comprises a shut - off element that is operably coupled with the second terminal ; the shut - off element is capable of keeping the transistor shunt element turned - off .