Jim Shea has devoted his career to leading and growing his firm, Venable, representing the firms clients, primarily in litigation, and contributing to his community on matters of public interest.
He served as Managing Partner or Chairman of Venable from 1994-2017. During that time the firm grew over ten-fold and became one of the 70 largest in the United States and one of the 100 largest in the world.
Jim has represented and continues to represent clients in litigation, having tried many cases to judgement and argued scores on appeal. His clients have included Johns Hopkins, Verizon, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, M&T Bank, Marriott International, and Medical Mutual Liability Company. He has been recognized as a leading commercial litigator by Chambers, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Martindale and other publications.
His civic contributions have seen him serve as Chair of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland 2013-2017, the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance 2007-2017, and 2019 to present, the Empower Baltimore Management Corporation 1997-2004, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore 2001-2005. He has been recognized for leadership and community commitment by a variety of organizations.
