Morningstar Law Group – Raleigh Law Firm – Durham NC Attorneys

Shannon Joseph is a business litigation attorney, mediator and arbitration lawyer who previously served as a state Superior Court Judge and a North Carolina Administrative Law Judge. With more than 20 years of experience in private practice and judicial service, she now advises business and individual clients on every aspect of dispute resolution and management — from Early Dispute Resolution, to trial and arbitration representation and consultation, through appeal.

Shannon regularly assists clients with Early Dispute Resolution (EDR). She helps clients effectively evaluate their strengths and risks to resolve disputes early, often before lawsuits are filed. In addition, Shannon is a DRC Certified Superior Court Mediator and a member of the Panel of Neutrals for the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution.

An accomplished and experienced business litigator, Shannon’s work includes trying cases to jury verdict and arguing complex motions. Before serving as a judge, she was in private practice for more than a decade with a large regional law firm where she focused on matters involving commercial disputes and business law, including business torts, contracts, unfair trade and anti-competition, intellectual property, trade secrets, products liability, and employment. She has years of experience litigating multi-party cases, and with directing and managing e-discovery to control costs and strategically pursue case-specific goals.

In addition to representing clients in trial, Shannon has enjoyed a vibrant state court appellate practice, including multiple appearances before the NC Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court. Shannon also advises clients and lawyers on issue preservation during trial so that an adverse result may be successfully appealed or challenged in post-trial motions.

Shannon’s considerable experience as a lawyer is immeasurably informed by her judicial service. As a Superior Court Judge, Shannon presided over civil and criminal court in more than 30 counties, including 100+ jury trials. She decided hundreds of civil motions in every manner of case and was designated by the North Carolina Chief Justice to preside over multiple “exceptional” cases, including complex commercial matters. During her tenure as an Administrative Law Judge, Shannon adjudicated contested cases between private parties and state agencies, including disputes related to licensing, public employment, and tax issues.

Shannon now brings all of this experience and perspective to the table for clients of Morningstar Law Group to find the best path forward.


What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Look both ways. Look again.

Accolades

  • Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year – Arbitration (2023)
  • Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions (2023)
  • Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Antitrust (2022)
  • Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Land Use and Zoning (2020)
  • Best Lawyers: Litigation – Antitrust (2018-2024), Litigation – Land Use and Zoning (2018-2024), Litigation – Mergers & Acquisitions (2021-2024), Arbitration (2021-2024), Commercial Litigation (2021-2024)
  • Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite: Litigation (2015, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024)
  • Super Lawyers (2017-2024)
  • Wake County Bar Association: President’s Award of Excellence (2014)

Representative Experience

  • Defended and defeated class action claims alleging misrepresentation, fraud, and unfair and deceptive trade practices
  • Represented individuals and companies in a broad range of disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, officer and director liability, and misappropriation of business opportunities
  • Trial counsel in a wide range of cases involving commercial torts, including fraud, trade secret misappropriation, interference with contract, and covenants not to compete.
  • Trial and appellate counsel in challenges to state procurement process and contract awards, including defense against antitrust and bid-rigging allegations
  • Served as arbitrator in numerous commercial disputes and presided in civil and criminal court in more than 30 North Carolina counties, including in over 100 jury trials

Presentations & Publications

In addition, Shannon frequently made educational presentations at the NC Superior Court Judges Conference on topics such as rules of evidence, tort reform, and civil procedure and evidence.

Education

  • Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D. (1995)
    Wake Forest Law Review, Managing Editor; Order of Barristers
  • Wofford College, B.A., English (1991) cum laude

Admissions

  • State of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Western, Eastern, and Middle Districts of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Professional

  • International Association of Defense Council (Board Member, 2023)
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (Chair, Business Litigation Committee, 2021-2022)
  • North Carolina State Bar Disciplinary Hearing Commission (2018-present)
  • North Carolina Bar Association: Antitrust and Complex Business Disputes Section, Council Member (2009-2018)
  • Wake County Bar Association: Board of Directors (2008-09; 2014-2017)
  • Wake County Bar Association: Bar Awards/Legal Aid Fundraiser Committee (Chair, 2015; current member); CLE Committee (Chair, 2006-07; current member)
  • SPCA of Wake County: Board of Directors (Secretary, 2008-11; Executive Committee, 2011-13)
  • North Carolina Bar Association: Litigation Section, Council Member (2010-2013)
  • North Carolina Bar Association: 4ALL Task Force Member (2007-12)
  • North Carolina Appellate Rules Committee Member (2004-08)