Shawn Barnett is an accomplished litigator who brings years of experience to the firm. As a former Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, Shawn was involved in nearly 100 federal civil rights cases defending municipal employees. During this time, not only did he complete numerous trials to jury verdict but he was involved with some of the most complex and high-exposure cases involving law enforcement officers.
Since entering private practice, Shawn has concentrated his practice on civil rights and tort litigation in both State and Federal Courts, with a focus on police-involved shooting incidents, reversed/wrongful conviction litigation, and general allegations of police misconduct. Determined to be a strong advocate for his client, he meticulously reviews the facts of each case, analyzes all legal options available, and litigates each case as if it will proceed to a jury trial.
This dedication stems from Shawn’s time in the US Air Force, where he was instilled with a fundamental belief of achieving excellence no matter the task. Not only did this principle serve Shawn well in his time and the military and during law school – where he was a member of the Law Review and graduated with honors – but it has continued through his legal career, to the benefit of his clients.
In his free time, Shawn enjoys reading, baseball, and skydiving.
Practice Areas
Civil Rights Litigation
Criminal Defense
Personal Injury
Education
Loyola University Chicago School of Law – L.L.M in trial and appellate advocacy 2014
Golden Gate University School of Law – JD with honors 2013
Thomas Edison State University – BA in History 2010
Bar Admissions
State of Illinois – 2013
Northern District of Illinois General Bar – 2014
Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar – 2017
Central District of Illinois – 2018
Professional Accomplishments
Investigator for the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association
Managing Editor of Golden Gate University Law Review (2012-13)
