MISSION DRIVEN. INDUSTRY DISRUPTING. SOLUTION ORIENTED.
AREAS OF
PRACTICE
CONSTRUCTION
Construction law is a niche area of practice that deals with issues related to the construction industry, including the planning, design, and execution of residential and commercial construction projects. Topics include, without limitation, contracts, OSHA, workers' compensation, liability, insurance, payment issues, and defect claims.
BUSINESS
From inception of an idea to established businesses, we aim to be a proactive resource to de-risk and avoid issues for new and seasoned business owners. Corporate formation, operating agreements, and strategic contract documents are necessitated by sophisticated customers and essential for a foundation in business.
LITIGATION
We initiate and defend claims on a variety of subjects, including construction matters, corporate issues, and general disputes before trial and appellate courts.
REGULATORY
Regulatory representation is comprised of advising contractors through the licensure process and defending contractors in licensing and governmental matters like OSHA investigations.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Mediation and arbitration are common forms of alternative dispute resolution that are either optional or mandatory under a contract. We routinely craft these provisions and engage in these proceedings.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Amidst the entrepreneurial boom in recent years and emergence of more businesses than ever before, it has become increasingly important for those established to protect their name, images, and likeness against competitors and infringers. Trademarks are an easy, cost-effective step towards protection.
HOMEOWNER REPRESENTATION
Homeowners are impacted by unlicensed contracting and defective workmanship, causing damage to property and financially. We represent homeowners in these such disputes.
BAD FAITH LITIGATION
Property owners pay their insurance premiums expecting to avail themselves of insurance coverage in the event of a claim, but insurance carriers are denying valid claims. We send demand letters and initiate litigation when a carrier acts in bad faith.
REAL ESTATE REPRESENTATION
We provide advice to realtors to help navigate the complexities of real estate deals and represent buyers and sellers when a dispute arises relating to a contract or transaction.
OUR VISION
At Shields Construction Law, our mission is to provide unwavering legal excellence and personalized client advocacy that is tailored to our clients' needs, avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" mentality. Our dedicated team of legal professionals strives to deliver innovative, practical, and creative solutions that strategically advance the interests of our clients through collaboration internally, with our clients, and expert witnesses.
Kristen Shields
Managing Partner
Kristen Shields | Managing Partner
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Kristen Shields has significant litigation experience in a wide variety of governmental matters and complex litigation, focusing in construction, corporate, and commercial litigation. She has also worked in insurance-related arbitration and anti-trust and financial matters. Having handled thousands of cases and conducted 150 jury trials, Kristen devotes fierce advocacy for the clients of Shields Construction Law with a 97% success rate in litigation, licensing matters, and defense against regulatory authorities.
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She assists developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers on private and public projects with transactional services as well as dispute related litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
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Education
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Cumberland School of Law, J.D. – Certificate in Trial Advocacy
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Birmingham-Southern College, B.A. cum laude
Professional Recognition
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Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Commercial Litigation, 2021
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The Prosecutor’s Award 2015-2016, V.O.C.A.L. Southern Region
Admissions
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Alabama Supreme Court, 2011
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Oklahoma Supreme Court, 2021
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Tennessee Supreme Court, 2018
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United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, 2019
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United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, 2020
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United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, 2020
Selected Professional and Civic Activities
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Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel
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Tennessee Bar Association
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Alabama State Bar
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Lawyers’ Association for Women-Marion Griffin Chapter
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BNI for Middle Tennessee, West End Chapter
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Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International—Nashville Alumni Chapter
and Hull Chapter
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Cumberland School of Law Alumni Association
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Birmingham-Southern College Alumni Association
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Dwight Artis
Associate Attorney
Dwight Artis | Associate Attorney
Dwight is originally from Atlanta, Georgia where he spent the first 18 years of his life. The son of Attorney Gregory D. Artis Sr., Dwight always held an interest in becoming a trial attorney. After graduating from high school, Dwight was accepted to The Citadel, a historic military college located in Charleston, South Carolina.
While attending The Citadel, Dwight thrived and was successful in gaining leadership experiences in the Corps of Cadets as well succeeding in academia earning a B.A. in English Literature with Honors. While at The Citadel, Dwight also felt the urge to serve his country, so he joined the Army. Dwight served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After graduation from law school, Dwight became a prosecutor and served the people of Nebraska as a City of Omaha Assistant City Attorney, an Assistant Douglas County Attorney, and a Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Currently, Dwight continues to give back to the community as a graduate of the Leadership Sumner for which he serves as a board member, and he is a life member of Hendersonville’s VFW Post 9851. In addition to being an avid litigator and advocate for his clients, Dwight coaches youth basketball, baseball, and softball.
Education
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University of Wisconsin Law School, 2011
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The Citadel, 2007
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Admissions
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Nebraska, 2011
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Tennessee, 2026
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Colorado, pending admission
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United States District Court, District of Nebraska
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United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
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United States District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma
Selected Professional and Civic Activities
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Nebraska Bar Association
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Omaha Bar Association
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Tennessee Bar Association
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Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel
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Leadership Sumner (Board Member)
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VFW
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Claire Pinson
Associate Attorney
Claire Pinson | Associate Attorney
Claire Pinson is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, having been admitted to all Mississippi state and federal courts, as well as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in 2022. She handled construction matters through the corporate and insurance defense lenses with a regional firm, including a wide range of litigation matters on other subjects, including governmental liability, tractor-trailer accidents, premises liability, and employment cases. Claire has assisted entrepreneurs of all types with corporate formation and contractual disputes. With efficiency and effectiveness at the forefront of her practice, Claire seeks the best experience and outcome for her clients.
Claire has been an active member of the Bar, previously serving as the Law School Relations Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar. Claire is also committed to serving her community and is a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford.
Education
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University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D. summa cum laude
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Mississippi Law Journal - Executive Editor, Vol. 91; Robert C. Khayat Award for Outstanding Service
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Moot Court Board - Member
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Texas A&M University, B.S. Psychology cum laude
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Admissions
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Mississippi Supreme Court, 2022
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United States District Court, Northern District of Mississippi, 2022
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United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi, 2022
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United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 2022
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Selected Professional and Civic Activities
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Mississippi Bar Association
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Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar
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Texas A&M University Association of Former Students
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Junior Auxiliary of Oxford
Megan Geer
Associate Attorney
Megan Geer | Associate Attorney
Megan R. Geer focuses her practice on construction law and complex civil litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2014, with a concentration in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution.
Megan began her legal career in the Nashville Public Defender’s Office, where she built strong courtroom instincts and learned to solve problems quickly in high-pressure situations. That experience shapes her work today as she represents clients in construction and business disputes, handling matters from early case assessment and strategy through discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and trial.
In addition to litigation, Megan advises clients on contract drafting and project strategy, with an emphasis on risk allocation and clear documentation that helps prevent disputes before they start. She has represented hundreds of individuals in and out of court and is committed to helping clients face conflict with confidence, pursue practical solutions, and achieve results they can stand behind.
Education
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University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D.
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Southern Methodist University, B.A. - Political Science and Business
Admissions
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Tennessee Supreme Court, 2014
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United Stated District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, 2023
Selected Professional and Civil Activities
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Tennessee Bar Association
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Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel
Sarah Kovach | Law Clerk
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Sarah Kovach is a Tennessee native and proudly serving the legal community as a Law Clerk with the firm since 2023. A graduate of Samford University, Sarah received a full scholarship to Belmont University College of Law, Class of 2027. Sarah continues to provide key support to both the transactional and litigation practice groups and aids corporate and homeowner clients alike.
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Sarah Kovach
Law Clerk
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Caitlyn Stacey
Legal Assistant
Caitlyn Stacey | Legal Assistant
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Caitlyn Stacey is dedicated to providing invaluable support in the pursuit of legal excellence and is integral to our legal operations.
Her commitment to detail ensures that all aspects of case management, from document preparation to trial coordination, are executed with precision and efficiency. Caitlyn's organizational skills enhance the workflow of our legal team as she aids the attorneys and clients alike.
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