Sarah Shields
Attorney at Law
Washington
CA, WA
About
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Client Reviews
"I am writing to recommend my colleague with whom I have worked for many years. Sarah is a knowledgeable, resourceful attorney who is always meticulously well prepared. Her research skills are excellent and she is creative in adapting to varied audiences and environments. As manager of an asbestos litigation office and as vice president of an asbestos, pollution and mass tort area of a major insurance company, I have observed her work in many capacities, including presentations for board members and staff, court appearances and the like. Sarah traveled with me often to participate in negotiating multi-million dollar settlements. Many of these situations were high profile and contentious. Besides her technical skills, Sarah is a good listener and able to be a pleasant and savvy advocate in difficult circumstances."
"I am pleased to be able to recommend Sarah Shields for a position with your law firm or legal department. I have known and worked with Sarah since approximately 2002, when I became in-house counsel for CNA Insurance managing declaratory judgment actions involving asbestos, pollution and mass tort claims. I have worked with her on various matters over the years, continuing with my current position as AVP / Associate General Counsel with Resolute Management Inc. (which now administers CNA 's legacy asbestos and pollution claims). During that time Sarah has demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge of complex long-tail coverage issues through her effective handling of some of the company's largest exposures. Her negotiation skills, which have always been formidable, most recently facilitated resolution of a matter for us in the earliest stages of litigation. Sarah is also a joy to work with and has always provided excellent client service. I encourage you to strongly consider Sarah for employment with your organization."
Work History
Law Office of Sarah M. Shields
Principal
Jun 2016 - Present
I started my own firm with an emphasis (although not exclusively) on environmentally and socially conscious companies and organizations.
Hardshell Labs, Inc.
Of Counsel
Aug 2015 - Present
I perform analysis, research, writing and counseling the founder of this conservation startup. In particular, most of my work involves regulatory matters and contracts. I also advise regarding business strategies and insurance issues.
Betts Patterson Mines
Of Counsel, Director
Feb 2012 - Nov 2014
I performed litigation tasks, analysis, research, writing, litigation strategic planning and litigation management related to environmental and mass tort claims at this 35 attorney Seattle law firm. The clients for which I worked were predominantly the companies that took over the environmental and mass tort claims of the large insurer that had previously been my client.
Colliau, Elenius, Murphy, Carluccio, Keener & Morrow
Director and Managing Attorney for Environmental and Mass Tort Claims
Jan 2001 - Oct 2010
At this major insurance company captive law firm I performed analysis, research, writing, litigation management and directing of insurer's strategic claims unit for environmental and mass tort claims. My position ended when the company reinsured its mass tort and environmental claims with another entity and the company was no longer liable for these claims.
Caroll, Burdick & McDonough
Associate, Income Partner, Equity Partner
Sep 1984 - Jan 2008
Litigation, appellate and complex insurance coverage practice at 75 attorney San Francisco firm. (Firm acquired by large firm in 2015.) I specialized in research, writing, and litigation strategy and management.