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About Emma
Biography
An experienced attorney, Emma Shinn spent time as enlisted Marine and as a judge advocate before opening her own private practice dedicated to representing servicemembers at courts-martial, Physical Evaluation Boards, administrative separation proceedings, serious civilian felony cases in Colorado and civil rights work.
She has represented thousands of clients accused of everything from homicide to simple assault. While she prefers that her clients not be in the media spotlight, some of her cases have garnered media attention due to the hard-hitting legal work she has done.
Her private practice closed in 2019 in preparation for her return to active duty in the Marine Corps.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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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
No contact information is available for this lawyer
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Emma Shinn's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robin | September 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
.
When your freedoms are on the line you want someone whose going to fight for you. Emma was available and always had a winning spirit. She was prepared and professional and if you can’t tell we won our case. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Robert | July 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Compassion, Precision, Professionalism
I never thought I would need a criminal defense attorney. And I am so grateful that when I did I had Emma on my side. Emma held the umbrella over me for years while I thought the sky was falling. She understands the need for diligence and constant communication. She appreciates the value of exchange....
Posted by Rebecca | June 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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...
Posted by Dan | August 3, 2015
Excellent
Emma was great. I talked to alot of attorneys before going with Emma. She was extremely knowledgeable right from the beginning. She knew my schedule was crazy and made herself available whenever I was free. She spent time going over everything with me making sure I knew what was happening at all time...
Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2015
Domestic Violence Charge Against My Son
Bottom Line Up Front: Emma was the absolute finest lawyer I have ever secured and known in over 26 years of Military Active Duty Service. Without having Emma represent my son in a Court of Law, he would not have been cleared of "ALL charges" against him. I would not hesitate to hire Emma again, and w...
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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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
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
2019 - Present
Jim Collins FoundationBoard Member
2018 - Present
TranSendingChair
2017 - Present
Colorado Women's Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Colorado Name Change ProjectCo-Founder
2016 - Present
Colorado LGBT Bar AssociationBoard Member
2015 - Present
United States District Court for the District of ColoradoAdmitted to Practice
2014 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers CollegeF Warrior Member
2014 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - Present
Guantanamo Bay Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2003 - Present
Texas Aggie Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2016
State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2009 - 2016
State Bar of Texas, Military Law 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
State of Colorado v. Army Specialist
Not Guilty
B.D. v. Colorado
Settled in Favor of Client, All Client Objectives Met
Army Investigation for Stalking
No basis to allegations
USMC Officer Accused of Adultery
No basis to allegations
Alleged Domestic Violence & Child Abuse
Dismissed
USMC - Negligent Homicide & Dereliction of Duty
Dismissed
People of Colorado v. SGT, US Army
Charges Dismissed
USMC BOI - Sexual Assault Allegations, Adultery, DUI
Honorable Discharge
USMC BOI - Fraternization, False Official Statement, Orders Violations
General Discharge
USMC - Rape, Conduct Unbecoming, Adultery
Not Guilty of Rape (Judge Alone Trial)
Navy - Disrespect to Senior Enlisted
Not Guilty to All Charges (Jury)
USMC - Rape by rank, attempted adultery, conspiracy, obstruction
Not Guilty of Rape (Jury)
USMC - Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
Not Guilty to All Charges (Jury)
USMC - Negligent Homicide, Dereliction of Duty, Conduct Unbecoming
Withdrawn/Dismissed
USMC - Rape, Sexual Assault
Withdrawn & Dismissed
USMC - Aggravated Sexual Assault
Withdrawn/Dismissed
USMC - Male-Male Forcible Sodomy, Sexual Assault, Assault Consummated by a Battery
Not Guilty of All Charges (Jury)
USMC - Rape, Sodomy, Assault, and Adultery case with three complaining witnesses
(Jury) Not Guilty of Rape / later, the Assault and Sodomy convictions overturned on appeal
Education
2014
Trial Lawyers College
Graduate
2013
Center For American and International Law
Certificate
2012
Naval Justice School
Litigating Complex Cases
2009
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Trial Advocacy Training
2008
Naval Justice School
Art 27b, UCMJ Certification
2007
Texas Tech University School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence
2002
Texas A&M University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
Lavender Graduation
Visibility & Leadership for Today's Graduate
2014
Veterans Radio Show, 21 Sept. 2014
Service at Guantanamo Bay
2014
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course
Roundtable Discussion: Working with Civilian Defense Counsel
2014
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course
Small Group Leader - Opening Statements
2014
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course
Small Group Leader - Cross Examination
2014
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course
Small Group Leader - Voir Dire
2014
Military Defense Counsel Trial Litigation Course
Electronic Apps for Litigators & Plan B for When They Fail
2014
DSO Annual CLE
Creative Motions & Jury Instructions
2014
Annual Marine Corps DSO Mess Night
Guest of Honor Speech - Using Fear as a Tool for Success
2013
Sexual Assault Focused CLE
Investigating Allegations of Sexual Assault & Evidence Documentation
2013
Response Systems Panel on Adult Sexual Assault
Training Defense Attorneys & Sexual Assault
2013
Quarterly Regional Defense Counsel Training
Technology & Advocacy
2013
New Defense Counsel Orientation
Voir Dire
2013
New Defense Counsel Orientation
Walk-In Counseling
2012
New Defense Counsel Orientation
Case Strategies & Murderboarding
2012
Annual DSO Conference
SharePoint & the Case Information System
2010
Defense Counsel Annual Conference
I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now – Tips for New Defense Counsel
2006
Lubbock Area Veterans War Memorial
Veteran's Day Speech
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
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
Q&A
Can the army force me to extend for 90 days after my ets date? help!help!
14 May 2014
Q&A
Does an Uncharacterized Entry Level Seperation from the Military Show up on a background check?
03 Apr 2014