Kathleen C. Shea

Kathleen C. Shea is an associate in the Orlando, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.

Kathleen also routinely represents employers in litigation of employment disputes before administrative agencies and courts throughout Florida. Kathleen’s experience includes representing management in litigation of claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, ADEA, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and claims of negligent supervision and retention, whistleblowing and retaliation arising under Florida law.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Kathleen assisted clients in defense of personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout Florida. Kathleen began her career as an assistant public defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where she represented over 1,000 indigent defendants in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases. While working as an assistant public defender, Kathleen was trial counsel on nearly 70 cases for charges ranging from simple battery to murder.

While attending law school, Kathleen was an articles and comments editor of the FIU Law Review, member of the Moot Court team, teaching assistant for Legal Skills and Values, and judicial extern for the Third District Court of Appeal.  

Kathleen was born and raised in Orlando, and enjoys volunteering, reading, cooking, and cheering on the Florida Gators.

Honors and Recognitions

• Florida Association for Women Lawyers, "Leader in the Law" (2019)
• Florida Bar Leadership Academy, Class VIII Fellow (2020-2021)
• Florida Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars" (2023)
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Ones to Watch: Litigation – Labor and Employment” (2025)

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• Adult Literacy League, Former Tutor
• Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society, Pro Bono Attorney
• PACE Center for Girls, Orange, Young Professionals Chairperson

Published Works

• “What are the Constitution Considerations in Resuming Civil Jury Trials During a Pandemic?” Daily Business Review (October 2020) [Co-Author]