Shawn M. Collins

Shawn M. Collins is a seasoned trial attorney renowned for his courtroom prowess, particularly in handling complex litigation involving environmental contamination, toxic tort, personal injury, and commercial disputes. Notably, Shawn served as co-counsel in a landmark case that resulted in a $363 million jury verdict for a woman who developed breast cancer due to prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide.

Shawn has played a crucial role in securing clean water and contamination-free homes for numerous families. His track record includes recovering millions for clients, such as $34.5 million for a neighborhood affected by toxic vapors, $8.5 million for a firefighter's family following a fatal accident, and $16.9 million for families impacted by groundwater contamination. Other significant outcomes include $8.19 million for a town with vapor and groundwater issues, $12 million for cancer patients exposed to toxic chemicals, and $30 million for condominium owners in a property dispute.

Recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The American Trial Lawyers Association from 2005 to 2022, Shawn has also been acknowledged as a “Leading Lawyer,” a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of Illinois lawyers. Additionally, he has been named an Illinois “Super Lawyer” 14 times, with the most recent recognition in 2023, and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from America’s Top 100 Attorneys, a prestigious honor limited to 100 attorneys per state.

Shawn graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He is also a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois. His professional affiliations include the National Trial Lawyers and the Illinois and Chicago Bar Associations. Shawn's impactful legal work has been featured on major networks like ABC, CBS, CNN, and NBC, and he was a finalist for the Daily Herald newspaper’s “Person of the Year” award for his advocacy for families in Lisle, IL.