Prior to entering private practice, Shawn served as New Castle County’s First Assistant County Attorney responsible for overseeing all land use matters and related litigation in the State’s largest county. During that time, he headed-up the re-write and adoption of New Castle County’s current zoning and subdivision code – the “Unified Development Code.” Following the code’s adoption into law, Shawn was tapped to manage New Castle County’s Land Use Department while also overseeing the new code’s role out. Before working with New Castle County, Shawn served as Deputy Attorney General with the Department of Justice, and a Superior Court judicial clerk to the Hon. Richard Cooch.
Shawn routinely assists landowners, developers and employers successfully navigate their zoning, subdivision, environmental and permitting needs statewide. Such engagements routinely involve obtaining land use approvals State-wide including, including, e.g. major and minor land development approvals, rezonings, variances, special use permits, conditional use permits, stormwater and erosion control approvals and traffic impact study related waivers. Shawn also assists clients with property assessment appeals, code enforcement matters and real-estate related litigation State-wide.
Shawn often shares with clients that, “Delaware is open for business but choosing the right team of professionals is a critical first step to ensure you obtain not only the best possible purchase terms and available economic development incentives, but also that you obtain the right land use approvals and permits in the shortest period of time possible.”
Honors
Delaware Today Top Lawyers, 2023
The Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2025