Experience Matters
Litigation and Management Skills
ShawnTe has twelve years of litigation experience in over ten areas of law including personal injury, civil rights, contracts, municipal law, school law, land use, administrative review and labor and employment law.
She currently serves as general counsel for multiple Illinois municipalities and suburban school districts. ShawnTe manages a team of litigation associates and currently oversees over 60 cases. As general counsel, ShawnTe provides guidance and direction to clients regarding employment decisions, policy-making, ordinance drafting, administrative hearings, collective bargaining, contracts, and labor arbitrations.
She has defended claims filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Federal District Court pursuant to Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination Employment Act, and claims arising from constitutional violations pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983. As a litigator, she actively manages cases from beginning to end inclusive of motion practice, oral and written discovery in both federal and state court. ShawnTe also handles appeals in federal and state court.
Other Professional Experience
ShawnTe presides over local municipal court conducting hearings for suburban municipalities. She hears testimony, evaluates witness credibility, accepts evidence and analyzes local ordinances and related state law. She issues determinations based upon the evidence presented and application of the appropriate legal standards notwithstanding the parties’ competing presentations.
She is an effective communicator as demonstrated through her experience as a presenter at conferences and seminars. ShawnTe also conducts training programs for clients on various legal issues including compliance with federal laws such as the American with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Knowledgeable and Relatable
Qualifications are more than just what is on paper. The bench needs experienced and well-rounded judges who have the ability to see the people behind the case number and the ability to apply the law to real world scenarios. I have consistently demonstrated those abilities throughout my professional career.
Dedicated to Public Service
Don't just say it; do it. I take pride in volunteering to serve some of our most vulnerable, seniors and veterans. I provide pro bono legal services for probate and estate planning. Serving as a mental health commissioner for the past eight years has given me first hand knowledge of our community needs.