Patrick W. Shea

Patrick W. Shea

Park Avenue, New York
Patrick Shea is an Employment Law partner based in the firm’s New York office. He represents companies in a wide range of employment-related litigation, including matters involving employee benefits, employment discrimination, wage and hour claims, and wrongful discharge. His clients include major companies in the financial services, information technology, manufacturing, defense and high-tech industries. He has established a track record of successfully representing companies in high stakes jury trials, including securing defense verdicts in multiparty cases and class actions.
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Articles by Patrick W. Shea

Navigating Legal Representation for Car Accidents in California: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Drivers and Families

Navigating Legal Representation for Car Accidents in California: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Drivers and Families

For a high school student or a young driver in California, the aftermath of a car accident is often a collision between two intimidating worlds: the physical reality of twisted metal and injuries, and the abstract, high-stakes world of the legal system. When a student or their family types "affordable car accident attorney near me" into a search engine, they are not merely looking for a phone number; they are seeking a solution to a financial and logistical crisis. The concept of "affordability" in the legal sector is counter-intuitive. Unlike buying a product where "affordable" means "cheap," in personal injury law, affordability is structured around the contingency fee system, which allows access to high-quality representation without upfront costs.

15 min read
Comprehensive Strategic Analysis of Legal Representation for Motor Vehicle Accident Claims in the State of California

Comprehensive Strategic Analysis of Legal Representation for Motor Vehicle Accident Claims in the State of California

The selection of legal counsel for car accident injury claims in California is a decision of significant consequence, influenced by a complex interplay of statutory frameworks, insurance regulations, and the operational dynamics of the legal market. This report provides an exhaustive analysis of the California personal injury ecosystem, designed to serve as a definitive resource for understanding the mechanisms of legal representation. It synthesizes data regarding procedural laws, such as pure comparative negligence and strict liability, with a granular examination of the state's leading legal practitioners. Our research indicates that the "best" legal representation is contingent upon specific case variables: the severity of the injury, the complexity of liability, and the nature of the defendant (individual vs. corporate). The California market is bifurcated between high-volume, settlement-focused firms and specialized trial practices. While high-volume firms offer broad accessibility, specialized trial firms typically secure superior outcomes in catastrophic injury cases due to their willingness to engage in prolonged litigation and their capacity to front substantial case costs. Furthermore, this report illuminates the critical role of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in a state where a significant portion of drivers lack adequate insurance. It details the financial structures of legal engagement, primarily the contingency fee model, and provides a step-by-step methodology for verifying attorney credentials through the State Bar of California. By integrating legal theory with practical market analysis, this document aims to empower stakeholders from accident victims to industry observers—with the knowledge necessary to navigate the California legal landscape effectively.

17 min read
The Trend: The ARDC is using the 2026 registration cycle to map legal deserts areas with 20 or fewer private practice lawyers.

The Trend: The ARDC is using the 2026 registration cycle to map legal deserts areas with 20 or fewer private practice lawyers.

The annual registration of attorneys in Illinois is not merely a bureaucratic obligation; it is the foundational mechanism by which the Supreme Court of Illinois, through the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), regulates the legal profession, funds access to justice, and monitors the ethical health of the bar. The 2026 registration cycle represents a watershed moment in this administrative history. Driven by acute demographic shifts and a strategic recalibration of financial equity, the ARDC has implemented significant amendments to Supreme Court Rule 756, eliminated historical fee discounts for early-career attorneys, and launched a comprehensive data collection initiative to combat the growing crisis of "legal deserts." This report provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of the 2026 registration landscape. It is designed for managing partners, solo practitioners, legal administrators, and compliance officers who require a granular understanding of the renewal process, the sociological implications of the new demographic data requirements, and the financial architecture supporting the Illinois justice system.

20 min read
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