Shawn Wanta

Shawn Wanta is a nationally recognized employment lawyer committed to advancing workplace fairness through class actions, collective actions, and individual advocacy. Based in Minneapolis, Shawn represents employees facing discrimination, wrongful termination, wage violations, retaliation, and hostile work environments. His legal work champions equity and accountability in both private and public workplaces.

Shawn earned his B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was admitted to practice in 2008 and now litigates employment law cases in multiple federal and state jurisdictions nationwide.

Shawn’s practice is grounded in achieving justice for employees harmed by systemic workplace violations. He represents workers in wage and hour disputes, unpaid overtime claims, discrimination cases, and whistleblower retaliation matters. His deep knowledge of employment law allows him to provide strategic counsel and take on employers of all sizes.

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys by The National Trial Lawyers, Shawn has also been selected to Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. He is frequently quoted in national media and publishes thought leadership in leading employment law journals and legal platforms.

Shawn Wanta is an active member of several professional associations, including the National Employment Lawyers Association, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Upper Midwest Employee Lawyers Association. He also gives back through pro bono work with the Federal Bar Association’s Pro Se Project and by mentoring newer attorneys.

Shawn J. Wanta continues to lead with purpose at Wanta Thome PLC. With compassion, precision, and relentless advocacy, he helps employees fight injustice and reclaim their rights in workplaces nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Wanta Thome PLC
• Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, National Association of Consumer Advocates
• Past Secretary-Treasurer, Employee Lawyers Association of the Upper Midwest
• Member and Pro Se Project Volunteer Attorney, Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
• Member, Minnesota Association for Justice
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, Consumer Litigation, Solo & Small Firm, Labor & Employment Section
• Member, American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D)
• University of Wisconsin- Madison
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A)

Awards & Badges