J. Burr Shields

J. Burr Shields is a seasoned employment attorney, mediator, and arbitrator at Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC. Practicing law in Arizona since 1987, he has extensive experience representing both employers and employees in workplace disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage matters. His career is distinguished by his ability to advocate, mediate, and arbitrate with fairness and efficiency.

Mr. Shields earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics with honors from Arizona State University in 1984. He went on to achieve his Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1987. Furthering his expertise in dispute resolution, he trained at the renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine School of Law in 2017. His education laid a strong foundation for both his litigation practice and his extensive work in mediation and arbitration.

Recognized by his peers and clients alike, Mr. Shields has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2009, and was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Phoenix for Labor and Employment Litigation in 2016 and for Labor Law – Management in 2024. He has also been consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners since 2015 and selected to Super Lawyers since 2019. These honors reflect his credibility and excellence within employment law.

In his practice, J. Burr Shields counsels employers on labor and employment matters, drafts employment agreements and workplace policies, and represents healthcare professionals in licensing issues. As a mediator and arbitrator, he brings impartiality and insight, having served as a panelist for the American Arbitration Association since 2020. His balanced perspective—developed from decades of representing both sides—allows him to resolve disputes effectively while upholding fairness for all parties.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC
• Member, Arizona State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Arizona, Labor & Employment Section
• Member, American Arbitration Association
• Member, Arizona Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, Maricopa County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Arizona

Education

• University of Arizona College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Arizona State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges