Shawn focuses his practice on a broad range of complex civil and commercial litigation, often involving partnership and business disputes, unfair competition, theft of trade secret claims, commercial foreclosure, commercial leasing disputes, real estate, bankruptcy, and insurance related matters. He also regularly represents financial services clients, including insurance and annuity issuers, in a wide range of litigation, including interpleader actions seeking to determine the beneficiary of death benefit proceeds.
Active in both state and federal courts, Shawn has substantial experience in real estate litigation and frequently represents lenders, special servicers, trustees, and investors in loan workouts and in actions to enforce commercial loan agreements, including commercial foreclosures. Shawn also regularly appears in bankruptcy proceedings to pursue proofs of claim, defend against preference actions, and move for stay relief to enforce rights with respect to collateral on behalf of secured creditors. Additionally, he advises property owners and landlords in disputes with commercial tenants, as well as on and other property management issues.
A sizeable part of Shawn’s practice is representing property owners and tenants in actions contesting the value of property for purposes of local taxation. Shawn has successfully reduced taxpayer liability on a variety of commercial property types throughout Connecticut, including big box retail, office buildings, movie theatres, research and development facilities, a data center, and other unique properties.
Shawn’s diverse practice also includes environmental law. He represents large utilities, lending institutions, electric suppliers, and a municipality regarding due diligence, permitting, regulatory compliance, and enforcement matters.
An active member of the firm’s pro bono program, Shawn has provided hundreds of hours to pro bono clients during his career, focusing on veterans and landlord/tenant issues.
