When Business Deals go Wrong, Smart Companies Turn to Shanahan Law Group
When a major international company was sued for alleged violations of the federal Fair Labor and Standards Act in California, it turned to Shanahan Law Group to represent it in the “off the clock” class action. The Raleigh-based firm successfully defeated class certification, a highly unusual result.
“We argued that the two named plaintiffs were not well suited to request the class and that the case should not receive ‘class’ treatment,” says Kieran J. Shanahan, the firm’s principal. “We also obtained summary judgment as to one of the two named plaintiffs.”
Cases like this are all in a day’s work for Shanahan and his associates at SLG, who are widely known as tough, smart and aggressive business litigators. One of the most sought-after business law firms in the Southeast, SLG has a proven ability to handle complex business-to-business litigation. It often goes up against much larger firms, in some cases, powerful Fortune 500 companies. “If you’re a David in business and you want to take on Goliath, we’re your firm,” Shanahan says.
Whether handling a multimilliondollar class-action lawsuit, a contract dispute between businesses or a zoning appeal on behalf of a real estate developer, SLG combines the experience of a large law firm with the personalized attention that only a boutique firm can offer.
“Whenever possible, we look for alternatives to litigation,” Shanahan says. “But if you have to go to trial, we have the courtroom experience to do battle for our clients.”
SLG considers itself pro-business and is just as likely to defend companies as to challenge them. It also represents individuals.
For example, the firm recently represented a retired Edgecombe County sheriff’s deputy threatened with the loss of his retirement benefits for seeking part-time work as a security guard. Ultimately, the North Carolina Supreme Court, affirming decisions by the Superior and Appeals courts, ruled that the U.S. Constitution prohibited the county from retroactively changing the terms and conditions of the officer’s retirement benefits. While the firm’s primary focus is business litigation, a number of companies keep SLG on retainer to assist with general corporate matters and, more importantly, to have on hand should the threat of litigation arise. “Thanks to our extensive business litigation experience, we’re well equipped to deal with the ever increasing complexity of business relationships and to help clients navigate the maze of legal, regulatory and other issues,” Shanahan says.
In the seven years SLG has been in business, its reputation has spread throughout North Carolina and beyond. The firm is currently spearheading major cases in multiple states. “In today’s litigious society, businesses often fi nd themselves litigating against other businesses,” Shanahan says. “When business deals go wrong, we’re your firm. No problem is too small or too large for us to take on.”
Shanahan Law Group has been recognized as one of the area’s “Best Places to Work”.
– The Triangle Business Journal
Kieran Shanahan, a former federal prosecutor who served four terms on Raleigh City Council, is an experienced litigator with extensive trial experience in federal and state courts. His peers have ranked him at the highest level of professional excellence, garnering him an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers® and was elected to Business North Carolina magazine’s 2007 Legal Elite.
• Civil litigation
• Complex business litigation, including class actions
• Small and medium business representation
• Licensing, distribution and technology contracts
• Employment law including EEOC and FLSA claims
• White-collar criminal defense
• Regulatory/administration representation
• Legislative, municipal and county issues
• Wills, trusts and estates
“In today’s business environment, clients want a firm that has relationships, experience and credibility. These are qualities that help define Shanahan Law Group.”
– Kieran Shanahan