Fueled by a desire to help others, Shannon M. McNulty, partner at Clifford Law Offices, empowers victims of extensive financial and tort crimes to seek justice and peace of mind through lengthy legal disputes that she handles with expert composure and creative problem-solving.
For twenty years, Shannon has worked amongst Clifford Law Offices’ team of legal pioneers to litigate on behalf of individuals and families whose lives are impacted by complex cases involving concealment, conspiracy, contract disputes, employment disputes, sexual harassment, environmental issues, and anti-trust claims.
Her tenure is fortified by a personal philosophy that what she does is for the client – upholding the standards of what it means to be a lawyer and making meaningful contributions to the law for the betterment of the public.
“All aspects of life touch on the law; it is the core of our society. As lawyers, we have a great responsibility to uphold truth and use the law to protect the people who rely on it as a social construct.”
Shannon M. McNulty, partner, Clifford Law Offices
Raised among intellectually strong and progressive women, Shannon was never intimidated by career opportunities in male-dominated fields. Her grandmother was one of the first matrons of the Chicago Police Department, paving the way for ambitious women with ideals rooted in social justice and civil service, a core value that has remained a pillar of thought throughout the generations of Shannon’s family.
Inspired by her grandmother, a career in public service with the Chicago Police Department preceded Shannon’s path to the courtroom and has provided her with a unique insight most lawyers are not privy to. Shannon places great value on the importance of public service, a defining characteristic that she sought as she explored a career in law, and that led her to connect with Robert A. Clifford of Clifford Law Offices.
“Clifford Law Offices is a group of attorneys who value service to the client, who value community, and who value public responsibility. They do so with impeccable standards and professionalism.”
-Shannon M. McNulty
Shannon’s collaborative leadership and tenacious approach to challenging cases have led to her success in handling major claims in Chicago and around the world and have determined her reputation as an expert with a fair and tactful methodology. She has been instrumental in litigating proceedings surrounding the opioid epidemic and helped facilitate the negotiation and implementation of an acute care hospital trust that is expected to disburse millions of dollars in relief to community hospitals. Shannon’s involvement in major cases is not widely publicized due to the involvement of subjects or parties that necessitate strict confidentiality.
Shannon’s recent accolades include being presented with the Award for Excellence in Public Interest Service by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Bar Association in 2021. In 2022, she was recognized as a Notable Women in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business. She was appointed to the 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers Top 50 Women List and the 2024 Illinois Super Lawyers Top 100 List, as well as acknowledged in Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Chicago.
“I approach my professional practice every day with the same level of curiosity, enjoying learning, being challenged, empowered, and trusted, and knowing that my work makes a difference. That’s what keeps me going.”
-Shannon M. McNulty
To Shannon, true success as an attorney is earned by knowing that she has made a meaningful difference to her clients and that their lives have been substantially improved by choosing to work with her. She shares that relationships, especially when handling extensive cases that are sensitive by nature, are essential to understanding a client’s needs and pursuing a positive outcome on their behalf. The level of dedication and compassion she has for each of her clients is reflected in the tireless research and care she puts into each case.
Now, after 20 years with Clifford Law Offices, Shannon reflects on why she followed such a challenging career path and why she stayed. She says, “What most influenced my career path in law was its ability to enable me to fulfill service to the community. The firm’s commitment to values, service, and community is apparent in Bob’s approach to leadership and therefore in every aspect of the firm.”
Personal injury law is a challenging field to work in but Shannon cherishes the good that comes from the cases within her scope of work. With each outcome, she is navigating decades-old systemic issues within our society or helping to hold major corporations accountable for years of misconduct. Clifford Law Offices is proud to celebrate the twenty years of legal contributions Shannon has brought to the firm.
Congratulations, Shannon!