Shawn M. Christianson

Shawn M. Christianson is a shareholder at Buchalter and a highly experienced attorney focusing on insolvency, receiverships, and complex litigation, especially in the technology sector. She represents creditors, financial institutions, technology companies, receivers, and trustees in both state and federal courts, including bankruptcy court. Her work also includes mediation and out-of-court dispute resolution.

Ms. Christianson earned her J.D. from the University of California College of the Law (formerly Hastings), where she served on the editorial board of the Journal of Communications and Entertainment Law. She earned her B.S., magna cum laude, from Boston College.

Over her career, Ms. Christianson has argued and won cases in trial court, appellate court, and even the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, including the landmark case In re: World Auxiliary Power, which shaped law on copyright security interests.

Ms. Christianson previously served as Managing Shareholder of Buchalter’s San Francisco office and was on the firm’s Board of Directors. Her leadership extends beyond the firm. She’s held positions with the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), the California Receiver’s Forum, and the Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum, among others.

Ms. Christianson has also made a major impact through public service. She was elected Mayor of Hillsborough, California, and helped lead the city through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served on the Hillsborough City Council and School District Board of Trustees, showing her commitment to both law and community.

Ms. Christianson’s work has earned wide recognition. She has been listed as a Super Lawyer in Northern California since 2005, one of the Top Women Attorneys since 2016, and included in Best Lawyers in America for Bankruptcy and Reorganization Law. She is also AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Shawn M. Christianson is frequently invited to speak at legal seminars, write for legal publications, and serve as a mediator in high-stakes disputes. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of business and finance, she is known for her strategic thinking, leadership, and results-driven advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Buchalter
• Chair and Vice-Chair, The Bar Association of San Francisco, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section

Licensed State

• California

Education

• The University of California College of the Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston College
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges