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New Fox O’Neill Shannon shareholder lives to litigate

New Fox O’Neill Shannon shareholder lives to litigate

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Shannon Allen (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)
Shannon Allen (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

Shannon Allen’s social side does not get in the way in the courtroom.

“I’m not afraid of being a bit adversary,” the Fox O’Neill Shannon SC shareholder said, “which I guess is why I drawn to litigation.”

Commercial litigation is a good fit, Allen said, because she enjoys meeting new people and learning about what they do.

“I’ve learned a lot about so many different businesses and how they work,” she said, adding that she enjoys going onsite to meet with clients. “The hours I spend at a person’s business or home are the most beneficial part of the discovery process. Later on, I can think back about it and it helps with visualizing the concern.”

Patience is not her strong suit, however, which is a challenge in the slow-moving world of litigation.

“The process can take months or years and you need to get that across to clients,” she said. “Litigation can be so draining and we are not a patient society, so it’s hard to wait.”

While she waits, Allen spends her free time training for marathons and downhill skiing, depending on the season. She also loves traveling – she’s already been to 39 of the 50 states, including an action-packed 40th birthday celebration in Hawaii.

Wisconsin Law Journal: If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?
Shannon Allen: Something in the sports world, possibly a sports agent or an athletic director for a college or university. I was devastated when I found out at an early age I was not going to become the first women professional football player, so I turned to the law.

WLJ: What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Allen: Assisting my brother, who has a cognitive disability, in becoming a happy and contributing member of society. I am so proud of the person he has become.

WLJ: What advice would you give to a student considering a legal career?
Allen: Talk to as many lawyers as you can. Also, make sure you enjoy spending large blocks of time alone reading and writing

WLJ: What was your favorite toy as a child?
Allen: My blue Schwinn 10 speed. It gave me the independence to ride around my hometown of La Crosse at an early age.

WLJ: If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
Allen: Superwomen – the ability to fly would greatly reduce travel expenses and time lost standing in long security lines at the airport.

WLJ: What famous person you would most like to have a drink with?
Allen: Rosa Parks, if she was still living, or Harper Lee.

WLJ: What is your most prized possession?
Allen: The handwritten letters my mom sent me when I was in college. She always wrote the letters in a green pen, which made them extra special.

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