Shawn Barnett

Shawn Barnett is a Chicago attorney at Hale Law, representing clients in civil rights law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters. He brings substantial courtroom experience to cases involving police conduct, serious injuries, and criminal accusations. He previously served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, where he worked on nearly 100 federal civil rights cases. He completed multiple jury trials and handled complex, high-exposure claims involving law enforcement officers.

Shawn earned his LL.M. in Trial and Appellate Advocacy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2014. He received his J.D. with honors from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2013. He earned his B.A. in History from Thomas Edison State University in 2010. He also served as managing editor of the Golden Gate University Law Review, strengthening his research, writing, editing, and analytical abilities for demanding litigation.

Shawn concentrates his private practice on civil rights and tort litigation in Illinois state and federal courts. He handles police-involved shootings, reversed or wrongful convictions, and allegations of police misconduct. He meticulously reviews the facts, evaluates legal options, and prepares every case as though it will reach a jury. He draws additional discipline from his service in the US Air Force, where he developed a lasting daily commitment to excellence.

Shawn Barnett is admitted in Illinois and before the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. He joined the Northern District’s general bar in 2014 and trial bar in 2017. He also serves as an investigator for the Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. He provides clients with clear communication, thorough preparation, and determined advocacy while addressing demanding legal disputes, protecting constitutional rights, and pursuing practical results through negotiation or trial.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Hale Law
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Investigator, Chicago Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation Committee
• Managing Editor, Golden Gate University Law Review 2012-13

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  Master of Law (LLM)
• Golden Gate University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Thomas Edison State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges