Debra Shannon has extensive experience and concentrates her practice in the areas of labor, employment, mediation, education and special education law, and government contracting. Possessing nearly twenty years’ experience, she has served in the role of executive officer, general counsel, advisor, labor counsel and advocate. After a brief but successful advertising career, Ms. Shannon took a leap of faith and followed her passion to become a lawyer and serve as an advocate for those who needed a voice; in 1994 she pursued that passion and entered law school. While at school, Ms. Shannon was recognized on the Dean’s List and was the recipient of the Moot Court Tinnelly Award for the best oral arguer. After graduation from law school, she began her career at a small New York boutique labor law firm. She then served as an advocate for children in the Bronx, New York, prosecuting matters of child abuse and neglect. Practicing in New Jersey for the last fifteen years, her focus has been primarily on labor and employment matters. She has served as labor counsel on behalf of municipal and state entities, including various Boards of Education. In 2005, Ms. Shannon took her career and practice in house to a private company and shortly thereafter was promoted to General Counsel and served as the legal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. Her final position with the Company included Executive Vice President and while serving in this role, was nominated by her peers for New Jersey Top 50 Women in business. Ms. Shannon has spent the better part of her career negotiating contracts (labor or otherwise), litigating claims or counseling either her clients or human resources staff on appropriate employment policies; always strategizing for best outcomes. Bar Admissions: • New York, 1998 • New Jersey, 2002 • U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 2002 • U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, 1998 -99 Education: St. John’s School of Law, 1997; Dean’s List St. John’s University, 1989; Cum Laude, Dean’s List