Shawn Shaffie

Bar / Professional Activity

• State Bar of California
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
• U.S. District Court, Central District of California
• California Lawyers Association’s Litigation Committee on Access to Justice and Civic Engagement Member, 2020
• Southern California Chapter, Professional Liability Underwriting Society – Co-Chair of Steering Committee, 2021
• Southern California Chapter, Professional Liability Underwriting Society – Co-Chair of Steering Committee, 2020
• Southern California Chapter, Professional Liability Underwriting Society – Vice Chair of Steering Committee, 2019
• Southern California Chapter, Professional Liability Underwriting Society – Vice Chair of Steering Committee, 2018
• Southern California Chapter, Professional Liability Underwriting Society Member, 2017
• Santa Monica Bar Association – Member, 2020
• Santa Monica Bar Association – Member, 2019
• Open Immigration Legal Services, A California Nonprofit – Board Member, 2021
• Open Immigration Legal Services, A California Nonprofit – Board Member, 2020
• Open Immigration Legal Services, A California Nonprofit – Board Member, 2019
• California Lawyers Association’s Litigation Committee on Access to Justice and Civic Engagement Incoming Vice-Chair, 2021
• The Johns Hopkins University, Young Alumni Committee Board Member & Outreach Chair – Los Angeles Chapter 
• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Litigation Section - Inn of the Court Member
• Beverly Hills Bar Association
• Professional Liability Underwriting Society Committee Member - Southern California, 2016

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• A Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of Southern California law firm Parker Shaffie LLP’s clients Clean & Sober Media, LLC and its former owner Richard Taite finding that international powerhouse HUB International Insurance Services must pay $4,367,735.11 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The court found the insurance broker HUB was professionally negligent and engaged in fraud by concealment and negligent misrepresentation (Clean & Sober Media, LLC, Richard Taite v. Hub International Insurance Services, Inc., Case No. 21STCV20391, Superior Court, Los Angeles County, December 29, 2023). Superior Court Judge Maren Nelson’s ruling stems from HUB’s failure to tender an insurance claim to one of Clean & Sober Media’s insurers in a timely manner, and failing repeatedly to correct their failure and error, all the while falsely telling plaintiffs Clean and Sober Media that the claim had been tendered, when in fact it had not. The result was that the plaintiffs incurred millions of dollars in out-of-pocket attorney costs in defending themselves in court. “Instead of its insurance company covering legal expenses, the plaintiffs were forced to pay millions in costs and fees in company litigation out of their own pocket,” says David Parker, Parker Shaffie LLP partner. “This was a very unfortunate situation where HUB, the fifth largest brokerage in the world, should have known better. We are pleased that the court found against HUB in its failing to do right by its insured,” adds Parker Shaffie LLP partner Shawn Shaffie. In addition, the court awarded pre-judgment interest on the $4,367,735.11 at 7 percent from July 21, 2021 to the date of the judgment entry.https://parkershaffiellp.com/s/Parker-Shaffie-DJ-12-22-23.pdf, 2023
• Defended attorney in a $4 million dollar legal malpractice case involving allegations related to failure to tender an insurance policy and whether defendant properly reviewed and advised business owner client on insurance coverage and potential liabilities.  The matter was settled for $170,000.
• Defended attorney/law firm in a legal malpractice lawsuit for alleged malpractice arising out of an underlying catastrophic injury case against a major American automobile manufacturer.
• Defended medium-sized business owner against 132a employment claim for wrongful termination.
• Represented a law firm in a legal malpractice case arising out of the underlying dissolution of a multi-million dollar corporation, leading to allegations of professional negligence and breach of contract.
• Representing a commercial specialty produce company in a copyright/trademark dispute with its competitor for infringing use of business name and possible product.
• Defended attorneys in a legal malpractice case brought by formerly represented gasoline franchisee entities. The underlying matter stemmed from a lawsuit by the franchisees against a major international gasoline conglomerate related to violations of the Petroleum Marketing Act, amongst other things.
• Defended attorneys in legal malpractice cases arising out of underlying real estate and leasing transactions with claims of hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

Videos

• Social Media Ethics for Lawyers, 2015

Educational Background

• Johns Hopkins University, B.A. 2003
• London School of Economics and Political Science, M.Sc. 2004

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• “Cryptocurrency sector arbitration provisions create jurisdictional uncertainties when applied to consumer claims” Daily Journal, June 2, 2023, Co-Author, Cryptocurrency sector arbitration provisions create jurisdictional uncertainties when applied to consumer claims, Daily Journal, 2023
• “Ethical Pitfalls For Lawyers On LinkedIn,” Daily Journal, April 9, 2015, Author, Ethical Pitfalls For Lawyers On LinkedIn, The Daily Journal, 2015
• Bar Endorses Attorneys Consulting With Firm In-House Counsel, Author, Bar Endorses Attorneys Consulting With Firm In-House Counsel, Daily Journal, 2019
• When Candor and Confidentiality Collide, Author, When Candor and Confidentiality Collide, Daily Journal, 2019
• Ethics: Dos and Don’ts for Lawyers Managing Online Profiles, Author, Ethics: Dos and Don’ts for Lawyers Managing Online Profiles, Daily Journal, 2019
• Balancing Ethical Duties When A Client’s Claims Lack Merit, Author, Balancing Ethical Duties When A Client’s Claims Lack Merit, Daily Journal, 2019
• Co-Author, Diligence Curbs Conflict In Law Firm Mergers, Los Angeles Daily Journal, 2015
• Author & Speaker, Dos, Don'ts For Lawyers On Social Media, 2015
• Co-Author, Can’t We All Just Get Along – Managing Conflicts, Ethical Issues, and the Relationship Between the Insured, Insurer, and Counsel, Chubb Group, 2013
• Co-Author, California Fair Claim Practices Act and Hot Topics in Professional Liability, ProSight Specialty Insurance, 2013

Other Outstanding Achievements

• Partner, Shawn Shaffie has been quoted in an insightful article by former Parker Shaffie Law Clerk Ibrahim Ati entitled “International Lawyers Facing AI and Legal Malpractice: Navigating Innovation. Obligation, and Bar Regulations in Disputes.” The article has been published in the Fall 2024 edition of the ABA’s TortSource, and examines managing AI technology in light of ethical considerations, so as to steer clear of legal malpractice. As practical guidance for attorneys, arbitrators, and judges who practice at the intersection of technology and the law, this article integrates viewpoints from global experts, including tech innovators, attorneys, and arbitrators from Singapore, Los Angeles, and even spanning the UK through Saudi Arabia.  Mr. Shaffie emphasizes the paramount importance of attorney oversight and supervision as a safeguard in avoiding legal malpractice type scenarios. Other insights from the article provide a forward-looking perspective on how legal professionals can navigate challenges while maintaining adherence to ethical responsibilities.  Congratulations to Ibrahim Ati on a well written and thought provoking article! We invite you to read the full article here: International Lawyers Facing AI and Legal Malpractice., 2024

Honors

• Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2017
• Shawn Shaffie was recognized by The Daily Journal as 2025's Top California Professional Responsibility Lawyer. A testament to hisexceptional expertise in legal ethics and professional liability. Their unique ability to effectively represent both plaintiff and defense clients sets them apart in this complex field., The Daily Journal - Top California Professional Responsibility Lawyer, The Daily Journal, 2025
• Super Lawyers - Southern California Honoree, Super Lawyers, 2025
• Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2021
• Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2020
• Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2019
• Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers - Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2018

“Mr. Shaffie is an exceptional and ethical attorney who stands out in the Southern California legal community. He truly cares about rendering positive outcomes for each of his clients and develops unique strategies for every case he touches. ”

“Worked with Shawn on a critical matter. I would say he is one of the most ethical, competent and successful lawyer I have ever worked with”

“Hard-working, technically rigorous”

“Diligent and dedicated to his clients”