About Emma
Biography
I help Veterans receive the benefits they earned and deserve through diligence, responsiveness, and attention to detail all with an eye to ensure correct application of rating criteria and compensation in each case.
After retiring with over 31 years as a Marine—both as an enlisted leader and officer—I’m a litigation-trained attorney who handles high-volume, high-stakes matters and builds repeatable systems that improve quality and speed. I’ve supervised teams while managing complex caseloads and developed a semi-automated drafting/review workflows that improved efficiency and accuracy by 20%. I’ve represented thousands of servicemembers and veterans in criminal proceedings, administrative hearings, and military disability evaluations, and veterans' disability appeals.
If you need someone to help with your VA appeal, I may be able to help so let's talk.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-33%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Colorado for 11 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 18 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Berry Law Firm
6940 O St, Ste 400, Lincoln, NE, 68510
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Emma Shinn's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
7 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Compassion
Posted by Rebecca | June 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family
Thankful
Emma Shinn represented me for the purpose of obtaining a Legal Name Change in the State of Colorado. From the very FIRST day meeting with Her, and throughout the process, Emma was extremely understanding and compassionate towards my concerns. Her knowledge, expertise, attention to every detail, poise...
Emma Shinn's Lawyer Endorsements
"Emma is a conscientious, hard-working, zealous advocate for her clients. She is professional and intelligent. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Shinn is an exceptionally gifted and dedicated attorney. Her total commitment to her clients and to the ethical practice of law have been demonstrated time and again. Anyone seeking a zealous advocate or the advice of a seasoned and reliable counsel could do no better."
"Emma is a passionate and experienced lawyer who was an integral part of the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization for several years. I frequently drew upon Emma’s guidance in representing my own clients, and was always impressed with her ability to identify the heart of a legal issue and offer common sense - but effective - approaches to it."
"I knew Emma Shinn when she was a Defense Counsel at Okinawa, Japan. I was a prosecutor there and saw her in trial frequently. I have a strong respect for her work ethic and trial abilities. As a prosecutor, I admired defense attorneys who were honest, diligent, and always well prepared for their cases. That was Emma. I could always trust that she was shooting straight during plea negotiations. I also knew that if we went to trial, she would be well prepared and would mount a formidable defense."
"A passionate and dedicated defender. Thinks out of the box to get results for her clients."
"Emma Shinn is a superb lawyer. I have known her for several years and have personally sought out her advice on cases. Her guidance is always on-point and tremendously helpful. She is a smart and fierce advocate for her clients. If you are facing a legal issue in the military of any kind, hire Emma today. You will not be disappointed."
"I worked with Captain Shinn on a military justice matter while she was on active duty as a defense attorney/judge advocate. She more than lived up to her reputation as tough, smart, and innovative. We were quite successful in that case, in no small measure to Emma Shinn being on the case. I would hire her to defend a family member against the most serious of criminal charges. She is that good. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain"
"Emma Shinn is a brilliant and tireless advocate. She fights for clients both in and out of the court room. I highly recommend her services!"
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Emma and I worked together on a wrongful death case several years ago and Emma was instrumental in getting the charges against our client dismissed. She is an excellent advocate, cares about her clients deeply, and will stand up for her client against the powerful and oppressive."
"I have known Emma since 2006, and I have worked with her often since that time. She is passionate about criminal defense, and I often seek her advice as I prepare for my own cases. She is well-known throughout our community as an experienced and aggressive trial advocate. I would trust her representation if I ever needed a criminal defense attorney."
"Emma is an outstanding advocate with an impeccable reputation among her fellow attorneys. I wholeheartedly endorse her."
"I endorse Emma. She is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the military legal community."
"Emma is an intelligent and creative advocate. She has the energy and deep understanding of both administrative and criminal aspects of military law that is critical pre-trial, during trial, and post-trial. In her last job as an active duty Marine, she served as a sounding board and, basically, an emergency helpline for military defense attorneys across the globe. She has only continued to prove herself worthy of that type of respect as a civilian military defense counsel."
"I met Emma over a 1 month long Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's program. She is genuine, kind, and dedicated to fighting for her clients. I highly recommend Emma and would trust my friends and family with her representation."
"Emma and I served together on a deployed tour. She was a highly respected JAG and Marine Officer. She is extremely knowledgeable about military justice and is well respected as a fierce courtroom advocate. She was invited to the exclusive Trial Lawyer's College in Colorado, a high honor. I would endorse her to anyone for zealous military defense representation!"
"I endorse this lawyer with whom I have spent time with working on cases. Emma is an outstanding and devoted advocate and lawyer that represents her clients with integrity and passion. If you want an attorney that honors the practices of law and ethics inside and outside of the courtroom, and genuinely cares about you personally and professionally, then Emma is the attorney for you."
"I endorse this lawyer with whom I have spent time with working on cases. Emma is an outstanding and devoted advocate and lawyer that represents her clients with integrity and passion. If you want an attorney that honors the practices of law and ethics inside and outside of the courtroom, and genuinely cares about you personally and professionally, then Emma is the attorney for you."
"I endorse Emma Shinn. I knew her before she started her impressive legal career, back when we were both enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. She has always impressed me with her intelligence, dedication, and tenacity, and in the time I have followed her entry into private practice, I've had no doubt that she brings the same traits into her daily practice of law. If I had a friend seeking help, I'd recommend Ms. Shinn without hesitation."
"Emma was recommended to me and answered the phone late on a Friday night. That alone says a lot about Ms. Shinn. It was a pleasure to work with her."
"Ms. Shinn is an outstanding advocate and a true warrior. She is zealous, tenacious, and extremely intelligent. She will always be the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom. During her tenure in Marine Corps' legal community, Ms. Shinn was universally recognized and respected as one of the most knowledgeable and capable attorneys in the service's global defense bar. I enthusiastically endorse Ms. Shinn for any civilian or military criminal defense matter."
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DUI and DWI lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2019
Raising The Bar, Colorado Women's Bar Association
2017
"Visionary in Action", GLBT Community Center of Colorado
2017
Nominee - "Raising the Bar" award, Colorado Women's Bar Association
2017
Power Award, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
2016
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Meritorious Service Medal, Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
2014
Guest of Honor, 2014 DSO Mess Night, Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
2012
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
2012
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Impact), Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
2011
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Task Force - Guantanamo Bay
2007
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 6th Motor Transport Battalion
2005
Navy-Marine Commendation Medal with Combat V, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division
2004
Combat Action Ribbon, Regimental Combat Team 1
2003
Scholarship, Texas Aggie Bar Association
1996
Humanitarian Service Medal, United States Marine Corps
Work Experience
2026 - Present
Senior Counsel I, Berry Law
2019 - 2026
Supervisory Trial Attorney, United States Marine Corps
2014 - 2019
Owner, Shinn Law Office, LLC
2011 - 2014
OIC, Defense Counsel Assistance Program, United States Marine Corps
2011 - 2011
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Joint Task Force - Guantanamo Bay
2009 - 2011
Senior Defense Counsel, United States Marine Corps
2009 - 2009
Staff Judge Advocate, JTF-505, United States Marine Corps
2008 - 2009
Legal Assistance OIC, United States Marine Corps
2007 - 2007
Legal Intern, International Water Law Project
2006 - 2007
Clerk, West Texas Innocence Project
2006 - 2007
Commanding Officer, Bravo Company, 6th Motor Transport Bn, United States Marine Corps
2006 - 2006
Executive Officer, Bravo Company, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, United States Marine Corps
2005 - 2005
Platoon Commander, 4th Anti-Terrorism Battalion, United States Marine Corps
2004 - 2005
Scout Platoon Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
1994 - 2005
Infantryman (TOW & Javelin Gunner), United States Marine Corps
Associations
2026 - Present
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesMember
2016 - Present
Colorado Name Change ProjectCo-Founder
2014 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers CollegeF Warrior Member
2011 - Present
Guantanamo Bay Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2003 - Present
Texas Aggie Bar AssociationMember
2018 - 2020
Jim Collins FoundationBoard Member
2018 - 2020
TranSendingChair
2017 - 2020
Colorado Women's Bar AssociationMember
2016 - 2020
Colorado LGBT Bar AssociationBoard Member
2015 - 2020
United States District Court for the District of ColoradoAdmitted to Practice
2014 - 2020
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2014 - 2020
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2025
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - 2016
State Bar of Texas, Military Law SectionMember
2009 - 2016
State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2008 - 2011
Okinawa Bench and Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2008
Judge Advocate AssociationMember
2005 - 2007
Tech Law Board of BarristersCommittee Chair, Technology
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty
Settled in Favor of Client, All Client Objectives Met
No basis to allegations
No basis to allegations
Dismissed
Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Honorable Discharge
General Discharge
Not Guilty of Rape (Judge Alone Trial)
Not Guilty to All Charges (Jury)
Not Guilty of Rape (Jury)
Not Guilty to All Charges (Jury)
Withdrawn/Dismissed
Withdrawn & Dismissed
Withdrawn/Dismissed
Not Guilty of All Charges (Jury)
(Jury) Not Guilty of Rape / later, the Assault and Sodomy convictions overturned on appeal
Education
2024
LL.M - Master of Laws
2014
Graduate
2013
Certificate
2012
Litigating Complex Cases
2009
Trial Advocacy Training
2008
Art 27b, UCMJ Certification
2007
Doctor of Jurisprudence
2002
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
LGBTQ+ Lawyers on the Front Lines
2019
Visibility & Leadership for Today's Graduate
2014
Service at Guantanamo Bay
2014
Roundtable Discussion: Working with Civilian Defense Counsel
2014
Small Group Leader - Opening Statements
2014
Small Group Leader - Cross Examination
2014
Small Group Leader - Voir Dire
2014
Electronic Apps for Litigators & Plan B for When They Fail
2014
Creative Motions & Jury Instructions
2014
Guest of Honor Speech - Using Fear as a Tool for Success
2013
Investigating Allegations of Sexual Assault & Evidence Documentation
2013
2013
Technology & Advocacy
2013
Voir Dire
2013
Walk-In Counseling
2012
Case Strategies & Murderboarding
2012
SharePoint & the Case Information System
2010
I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now – Tips for New Defense Counsel
2006
Veteran's Day Speech
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
I had an article 15.After two years I was told it would be destroyed. Do I need to report to the board of nursing before nclex
15 May 2014
Can the army force me to extend for 90 days after my ets date? help!help!
14 May 2014
Does an Uncharacterized Entry Level Seperation from the Military Show up on a background check?
03 Apr 2014