Shawn graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He graduated from the William Mitchell College of Law with honors.
He has been licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota since 1997. He is admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit.
Shawn has been a partner with the law firms of Maki & Overom, Limited from 1997 through 2018; Dryer, Reed, Peterson & Bray from 2018 through 2020; and Bray & Reed, Ltd. 2020 through the current date.
Shawn is a trial attorney. His practice has him in court nearly every single day. His trial practice includes, but is not limited to:
- Criminal law - prosecution and criminal defense;
- General family law;
- High conflict custody cases;
- Harassment;
- Employment law;
- Construction law;
- Contracts;
- Appellate law;
- Landlord/Tenant; and,
- Civil law.
Shawn has acted as an Administrative Hearing Officer in municipal and housing matters. He is also a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice - District Courts for Family Law Facilitative/Hybrid.
Shawn was named as one of three finalists for consideration by Governor Mark Dayton for the District Court - Sixth Judicial District.
Shawn currently serves on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Governance Board and was a past president. He also serves on the Paul Staudenmaier Boys and Girls Club of Duluth Foundation and was a past president. He formerly served on the Esko Educational Foundation, Inc. and the Floy, Gilman Scheidler Scholarship Foundation.