Shepard D. O'Connell

Shepard O’Connell represents individuals and corporate clients involved in cross-border disputes.  She has experience representing investors and sovereign states in international commercial arbitration proceedings as well as investment treaty disputes.  She advises clients from a broad range of industries, including utilities, renewable energy, construction and development, and banking and financial services.  Shepard is fluent in Spanish. 

Shepard represents companies of all sizes in federal and state court.  Her experience includes cases involving contract disputes, shareholder disputes, unfair business practices, misappropriation of trade secrets, and trademark infringement.  Shepard also has experience litigating various tort claims arising under state common law, including claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and fraud.  The following are representative of the types of matters Shepard has handled:

• The defense of a closely-held corporation in a shareholder dispute involving claims of breach of fiduciary duty and minority shareholder oppression.

• The representation of a renewable energy developer involving claims of misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract.  

• The defense of an insurance company against class action claims for unfair trade practices and false advertising.

• The representation of a private developer in a regulatory and permitting matter.

• The representation of a manufacturer in the automotive industry in a trademark infringement dispute.

• The defense of a multimillion-dollar trust against claims of fraud and undue influence.

Shepard represents individuals and companies who are under criminal or regulatory scrutiny concerning their business practices.  She assists companies involved in sensitive internal investigations involving issues raised by federal and state regulators and internal whistleblowers.