Shannon Clark Personal Injury Attorney

Shannon L. Clark

Shareholder

Shannon is a shareholder, member of the Gallagher & Kennedy board of directors and co-leader of the firm’s Plaintiff’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death practice group. For over two decades, Shannon has been a tireless advocate for victims of negligent and wrongful conduct throughout Arizona and around the United States.

As co-leader of the firm’s Plaintiff’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death practice group, Shannon serves as a tireless advocate for victims of negligent and wrongful conduct throughout Arizona and across the United States.

Throughout his decades-long career, Shannon has been drawn to legal matters that compelled him to advocate for individuals who were harmed in some way through the fault of others. Shannon’s passion for justice and resolute dedication to defending the rights of injured or wronged individuals has helped force manufacturers to recall or modify the design of several dangerous products and garnered in excess of $300,000,000 in jury verdicts, arbitration awards, mediation results, and negotiated settlements for personal injury, wrongful death, and legal and medical malpractice. Beyond helping his clients obtain compensation for devastating injuries and personal tragedy, Shannon also supports those he serves regarding the many often non-legal details of putting their lives back together and moving forward.

Shannon is deeply committed to his clients, and his effort extends beyond the intricacies of any given lawsuit to champion consumer safety issues for greater social impact. While commanding the fortitude, experience, resources, and overall “fire in the belly” needed to take on major manufacturers and institutional defendants, Shannon remains ultra-sensitive to the human element of each case he handles. He approaches his clients as people first, which makes him broadly effective in understanding the challenges they face while advocating their causes.

Notably, Shannon is a member of the firm’s board of directors.  See Shannon’s profile on our main website.

Honors & Awards

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2016-2023; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2012-2023; Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2020-2023; Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, 2020-2023
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Products Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2022
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, 2014-2022
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Arizona, 2016, 2022
  • Arizona Business Magazine, Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, 2022-2023
  • ICAN Heroes Award, 2022
  • Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, 2012-2013
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2012-2017
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, 2012-2013
  • Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, Sustaining Member, 2013-Present
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Order of Veritas
  • Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education (AFLSE), Top Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 2018
  • Phoenix Business Journal, 40 Under 40, 2013
  • Phi Beta Kappa, Cornell University, 1996
  • Phi Kappa Phi, Cornell University, 1996
  • Gold Key National Honor Societies, Cornell University, 1996
  • Cornell National Scholarship, Cornell University, 1996

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Community & Philanthropy

  • Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Board of Directors, 2005-2011, 2013-2020
    (Chairman 2010-2011)
  • Valley of the Sun United Way, Bench and Bar Donor Circle Founding Member
  • 100 Club of Arizona Board of Directors, 2015-2017
  • ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, Fund Development Committee Member, 2018-Present; Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Cayley Manor Homeowners Association Board of Directors, 2008-2011
    (President 2009-2011)

Representative Cases

  • Plaintiffs’ Leadership Committee and trial team member for mass tort claims against Bard for defective IVC filters.
  • Helped defrauded family resolve settlement fraud claims relating to defective truck tire.
  • Helped secure important Arizona Supreme Court ruling that Arizona hospitals can be subject to liability for abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.
  • Successfully resolved case for victims of failed (and later recalled) telescoping aerial ladder unit on fire engine.
  • Helped secure compensation from and government investigation of a major automobile manufacturer that failed to recall a dangerous stuck throttle defect on a popular SUV.
  • Resolved legal and accounting malpractice claims against major accounting firm on behalf of heirs to high profile businessman and entrepreneur.
  • Successfully represented dozens of tread separation and/or rollover accident victims in product liability cases against Ford Motor Company, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., Bridgestone Corporation, Dunlop Tire Company, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, Kuhmo Tire Company, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Yokohama, Sailun, Falken, and most tire manufacturers.
  • Member of team representing victims of fuel-fed fires caused by rear-impact collisions in Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors; helped cause Ford to spend $350,000,000 to improve safety of police vehicles.
  • After a two-month trial, recovered record settlement for victims of elder abuse at a nursing home.
  • Member of trial team for victims of Mexican Hat, Utah ski bus accident.
  • Represented family of man who died in Sedona Sweat Lodge tragedy.
  • $10,000,000 settlement for pedestrian hit by police vehicle.
  • $9,999,000 settlement for wrongful death of teenager killed by unwanted acceleration of her vehicle.
  • $2,800,000 settlement for the family of a retired military general who died as a result of hospital staff negligence.
  • $2,750,000 settlement for negligence for a bike path accident.
  • $2,700,000 settlement for the family of a mother who died following childbirth as a result of physician malpractice.
  • $2,500,000 settlement for the wrongful death of an incarcerated inmate allowed to develop a fatal infection.
  • $1,650,000 settlement for passengers injured in a motor vehicle collision.
  • $1,225,000 settlement for parents of teen killed in intersection accident.
  • $1,000,000 settlement for a woman who sustained serious injuries in a rooftop fall due to concealed construction defect.
  • Represented child pedestrian catastrophically impaired by inattentive police officer.
  • Confidential settlement for man paralyzed using unstable golf cart.
  • Confidential settlements against auto manufacturers for defects causing seatback failure, unwanted acceleration, rollovers, airbag failures, and seatbelt malfunction.

Representative Experience

  • Through litigation, interaction with governmental agencies and investigative journalists, achieved voluntary recall of five different defective products by automotive and other product manufacturers.
  • Through litigation efforts and creative negotiation, achieved settlements that caused government agencies to revise safety protocols and training equipment for first responders.
  • Practice in all areas of litigation and trial work, including personal injury, commercial litigation and appellate advocacy.
  • Handled virtually all varieties of personal injury cases, including product liability, motor vehicle accidents, Dram Shop actions, premises liability, elder abuse, medical malpractice, commercial trucking, medical device, pharmaceutical and insurance bad faith.
  • Represented clients throughout Arizona and in California, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.

Published Works

Press Releases

Related News

Live Media

Speaking Engagements

  • Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) Emerging Leaders Group Meeting, Preparing for Partnership: Vital Lessons & Business Skills Associates Must Develop Before Partnership, 2022
  • APA Seminar, Managing Success Through the Art of Preparation and Presentation, 2012
  • NALA Seminar, Demonstrative Evidence – How to Do It Right, 2011
  • State Bar Association, Motor Vehicle Accident Cases: Winning Presentation with the Use of Expert Witnesses and Graphic Illustrations, 2011
  • NBI Plaintiff Personal Injury Seminar, Personal Injury Damages, 2006
  • State Bar of Arizona, CLE in The Red Rocks, Personal Injury Conference, Product Liability Update; Use of Videos, Infographics and Technology in Mediation and Trial.

Languages

Spanish

Other

Judicial Clerkships
Judicial Clerk, Honorable Mary M. Schroeder, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1999-2000

Academic Appointments
Phoenix School of Law, Phoenix, AZ, Adjunct Professor, 2012-2013
Arizona Summit Law School, Phoenix, AZ, Adjunct Professor, 2013-2015

Study Abroad
Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain, 1994-1995

If you are looking for knowledgeable attorneys, seek Gallagher & Kennedy Law Firm. Shannon Clark and Eleanor J. Shaffer have provided legal representation in my mother’s case. While the personal injury case was quite lengthy, the entire team has been extremely supportive. During the mediation, Shannon advocated for my mother in which the case was able to be resolved outside of court. My mother has received exceptional service and we would highly recommend Shannon Clark, Eleanor Shaffer and his team.

Blanca RuizGoogle

Approximately a year and a half ago, my son was hit by an SUV while walking on the shoulder of a road; he suffered from multiple serious injuries while also sustaining horrific brain trauma. As his mother, I could only hope and pray that he would survive this disturbing event. I was in a state of extreme emotional disbelief being in a position of uncertainty regarding the life of my son. Even if he survived, the uncertainty of the quality of the rest of his life had still proven to be a permanent scar within my mind. This uncertainty was so great, that I had decided to speak to a legal council. By the grace of God, I had thankfully found the most compassionate and intelligent legal team available to me. This legal team had been under the company known as Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers. Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer were my angels straight from Heaven, blessing me with the promise of legal stability and representation that I had longed for since the incident. They have been there for my entire family throughout this traumatic experience. I can say without hesitation that they have shown the kind of compassion and concern that I desperately needed, which was more than I could have ever hoped for. They had provided attention to the legal aspects of this situation, of which I could not provide because my attention was focused towards the recovery of my son. They had given me the support and care that I had needed in order to push on through this painful event. I can vouch for them in saying that they did not take on this case simply for financial gain, but for moral reasons. If you ever need an attorney to walk you through a case involving an injury, these are the people that you need to contact! They put the victim and their family above all else. God bless everyone at Gallagher & Kennedy who provided all the support and aid to my son, as well as my family.

Mother and Family of Robert

Shannon is an amazing attorney to work with. He is very patient and understanding, as well as very thorough with any explanation process or questions I may have. I appreciate his genuine care as his client and the care he takes in his work!

Alyssa PartidaGoogle

Shannon Clark is an exceptional attorney- definitely one of the best you can find. His whole team is amazing. I especially want to also praise Ashley Fitzgibbons for her dedication to my cause. Shannon’s ability to understand the depth of an intricate and specific healthcare issue and identify the legal recourse was awesome to witness. His experience is obvious in every interaction. His ability to deliver hard truths in a compassionate and empathetic manner is something you cannot teach. I was referred to Shannon as “the best” in the business for my situation by another top AZ attorney. I am so grateful to Shannon for taking my case and for helping me get through a terrible situation.

Kathryn WattersonGoogle

I wholeheartedly recommend Gallagher and Kennedy. I had the privilege of working with Shannon Clark and was impressed by his professionalism, kindness, honesty and integrity. I cant recommend him highly enough.

Rachel IrvineGoogle

We didn’t know Shannon or Bill before we were referred to them by a family friend shortly after our serious auto accident. Shannon and Bill were patient in explaining our options and making sure we knew important details before making key choices. They were extremely professional and knowledgeable through every step of the process. We really felt like we had experts and advocates on our side. They got us a great result.

Wade ThornockGoogle

Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer represented me in a serious car accident case and they did a wonderful job. I felt like they were always available and responsive and they both worked diligently to help me get a great result. I highly recommend anyone looking for an attorney consider Shannon, Eleanor, and the G&K injury team.

GuomingGoogle

My wife and I were in a serious auto accident a few years ago and employed the services of Shannon Clark. Shannon went above and beyond to help us and keep us informed every step of the way through our process, which by the way lasted close to a year from the date of the accident. He was great at presenting all of the details and options that the other person’s insurance company was offering as well as helping us with our own insurance company. He was a huge help in navigating the process.

JEREMYAvvo

Mr. Clark represented my wife and me in an extremely complex construction defect case involving the builder of our 6,000 square foot home. The damage was so extensive, we had to vacate the home for two years. Shannon did an excellent job of keeping us informed every step of the way. He did an outstanding job of negotiating with other parties in a very down to earth, non-adversarial manner. We were very pleased with his professionalism and a feeling that he really cared about our case and us personally. I would highly recommend Mr. Clark and his firm.

STEVEAvvo

Mr. Clark (Shannon) assisted my family on two complex claims and simply put, he is “Excellent”! My family was extremely pleased and grateful for his legal expertise. The one great thing about Shannon is his ability to break down complex legal issues / strategies into layman terms for his clients. Excellent negotiation skills and sincerely works for his clients true maximum benefits. He is responsive, thorough and will always communicate back with you promptly, even when out of the office. Overall – “Outstanding Skilled Attorney”!

BILLAvvo

Shannon is a fantastic attorney and an even better human being. He genuinely cares about his clients and his work. I have known Shannon for over 10 years, worked with him as a client and case investigator. He is top notch!

JASONAvvo

Shannon was the best in handling my case. He was very informative and attentive. He gave me the facts and possible outcomes with my case that were very realistic. He didn’t try to hype up what my case could bring me. He was very straight forward and fair with all costs associated with handling my case. I feel confident that I had the best lawyer handling my case and if the need arises again he will be the first person I call.

JONAvvo

Shannon handled a really challenging international case for me. I texted him and he passed in a huge way. He was totally engaged and made all of the right moves.

JOHNAvvo

I was very pleased with the handling of my case by Shannon Clark and the team at Gallagher & Kennedy. My personal injury case was relatively small by comparison with Mr. Clark’s other cases, but he did not make me feel as if it was. It took time to gather case information for the best results possible. He and his team were always available and were very prompt with responses to my inquires. The case results were better than expected and it was due to his and his firm’s reputation. My family and I are very grateful for everything Mr. Clark and his team did.

PETEAvvo

Shannon is a hard working, honest, responsible and very professional lawyer. He worked on our case long hours and even on the weekends. He will make you feel important and do everything he can to take care of your needs and answer any questions that come up during and after your legal case. My husband and I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer because of a car accident. Not only will he make sure the other driver, who in our case was at fault, is held responsible but also take care of insurance issues and medical bills from beginning to end of your claim. He made sure we didn’t go into collections while awaiting the insurance to pay the huge medical bills I had due to surgery caused by the accident. We are very grateful and pleased to have had him as our lawyer.

AUDREYAvvo

I was in a serious auto accident a few years ago and I was given Shannon Clark’s name as someone that could help me. Shannon and his firm was instrumental in working towards a resolution with a large corporation. My vehicle was totaled and I spent over a year recovering from my injuries. The financial impacts were devastating and limited resourcing to take on a large company. It was a David and Goliath situation and without him I would not have been able to reach a settlement and get my life back. He kept me informed every step of the way and I am forever thankful for not only his legal support but the emotional support.

ELIZABETHAvvo

After being in a serious car accident, Shannon not only was a huge help navigating the legal side but he was so helpful dealing with the emotional side of things. He always emailed back quickly, even if it was 10pm on Saturday night. So kind and so generous!

ASHELLEY E.Yelp

Education

  • Duke University
    J.D., with honors, 1999
    Order of the Coif
    Note Editor, Duke Law Journal
  • Cornell University
    B.A., with distinction, 1996
    Dean’s Scholar
    Phi Beta Kappa
    Phi Kappa Phi

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Arizona, 1999
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1999
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 2001

Associations & Memberships

  • Lawyers Associated Worldwide, Firm Representative
  • State Bar of Arizona, Member
  • The American Association for Justice, Member
  • Arizona Association for Justice, Member and Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness, Member, 2021-Present
  • The National Trial Lawyers Association, Member
  • State Bar of Arizona, College of Trial Advocacy, Faculty Member, 2022
  • 100 Club of Arizona, Member
  • Trial Law Institute, Member
  • Diversity Law Institute, Member
  • Arizona's Finest Lawyers, Member
  • International Society of Barristers, North American Fellow