He received the Irish Legal 100 Award in 2024 and has been listed among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action – Defendants from 2021 to 2025.
CHICAGO, IL, October 22, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James P. O'Shea II has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. O'Shea is a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, where he has been an integral part of the firm since 2019. With more than a decade of experience in the legal profession, he has honed his expertise in commercial litigation, product liability, toxic tort and personal injury. His practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation and mass tort matters, with a particular emphasis on asbestos and other toxic tort claims. Additionally, he has handled probate issues and entertainment matters.
Mr. O'Shea plays a critical role in advocating on behalf of companies from the inception of a case through resolution. Mr. O'Shea collaborates with his clients at every step of their case and effectuates their combined strategy. James acts as national coordinating counsel for clients while still maintaining an active case load in his home state of Illinois. Mr. O'Shea also mentors several associates at his firm.
Before joining Husch Blackwell LLP, Mr. O'Shea served as an associate at Swanson, Martin & Bell LLP from 2013 to 2019. In this role, he gained significant experience in litigation and further developed his skills in handling complex legal matters. Prior to that, he worked as an associate at the Law Office of William P. Murphy in 2012. While in law school, Mr. O'Shea interned at the Cook County Public Defender's Office and clerked as a legal extern for the Honorable Judge John W. Darrah at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Mr. O'Shea's educational background laid a strong foundation for his successful legal career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology from Purdue University in 2007. Mr. O'Shea then attended a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University before transferring to The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where he obtained his Juris Doctor from in 2012. His academic achievements have been instrumental in shaping his approach to law and his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois and soon Texas and Missouri, Mr. O'Shea is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He is an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Hellenic Bar Association.
Mr. O'Shea's professional journey is marked by numerous accolades and recognitions. He received the Irish Legal 100 Award in 2024 and has been listed among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action – Defendants from 2021 to 2025 and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants from 2021 to 2025. Additionally, he was named a Rising Star in Civil Litigation by Illinois Super Lawyers from 2018 to 2023 and was recognized as a Pro Bono Contributor in 2023. In 2020, he was honored with the Legal Innovation in Operations Project Recipient award by the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. O'Shea is deeply committed to civic engagement and charitable work. He is involved at his local Masonic lodge and volunteers on behalf of his children at their school. These activities reflect his dedication to giving back to the community and supporting causes close to his heart.
Mr. O'Shea attributes much of his success to his highly motivated mother, who alongside his Yia Yia (Greek for Grandmother), managed the responsibilities of raising him and his sister while working as a union electrician. Her extraordinary resilience and hard work paved the way for him to break free from adversity through education. Her unwavering belief in the power of knowledge has set him on a course toward a brighter future filled with limitless opportunities.
In his personal life, Mr. O'Shea enjoys traveling, spending time with family and working on construction projects. He is currently restoring a barn-find 1970 Dodge Charger R/T SE and takes annual trips to visit his in-laws throughout Colombia. His favorite vacation spots include the Mykonos Islands in Greece and the Rosario Islands of Colombia.
Looking ahead, Mr. O'Shea aims to extend his influence as a national coordinating council member while contributing to the growth of Husch Blackwell LLP. His aspirations include fostering his ongoing development and continuing to provide exceptional service to his clients.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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