Overview
Shawn focuses his practice on advising all aspects of the innovator economy. From capital allocators to startups, Shawn counsels organizations throughout their lifecycle including business strategy, formation of funds, SPV’s, company structuring, funding, and mergers and acquisitions.
Shawn started his career at Arthur Andersen in a unique group that advised UHNW families in a precursor to the Multi Family Office. As part of the largest professional services firm in the world he advised families and family-owned businesses on tax, investment, finance, estate planning, corporate structuring, and M&A.
After his time at Arthur Andersen, Shawn founded Modus Law in Boulder, CO, specializing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Modus advised investors, families, and growth companies. In 2018 Shawn and the Modus team joined the Michael Best Family. Shawn now leads the Colorado market, and he spends significant time working with our world-class consulting firm, Michael Best Strategies. When not working he can almost always be found with his family and friends on two wheels or two planks heading up or down the mountains of Colorado.
In addition to his professional work, Shawn serves as a Board Member for Greenhouse Scholars, a community-driven organization empowering high-achieving students from low-resource communities. He also serves as a Board Member for the Institute for Entrepreneurship at the CSU College of Business, where he supports educational initiatives and helps foster innovation across the Colorado State University campus. Shawn also serves as a Board Member for Startup Colorado, a nonprofit organization that supports rural entrepreneurs across Colorado by providing resources, connections, and programming to help them start and grow their businesses.
Credentials
- University of Colorado, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2003
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting, Risk Management and Insurance, 1997
- Securities and Exchange Commission Series 7, 34, and 65
- Colorado
Engagement
- Volunteer, Grand County Search and Rescue, 2012-Present
- Founding Member (Now Pledge 1%), EFCO
- Co-founder, Stigler and Nelson Alpine Endeavors Law Scholarship
- Board Member, Greenhouse Scholars
- Board Member, Institute for Entrepreneurship at the CSU College of Business
- Board Member, Startup Colorado
Insights

Colorado Creates First-in-the-Nation “Artist Company” Entity
Colorado recently enacted the Colorado Artist Company Act, which creates a specialized limited liability company for artist-owned creative enterprises.Read
Sep 29, 2026

Venture Best Spotlight Season Three Episode Two
As AI continues to weave itself into everyday life, professionals across industries are grappling with how to best embrace the new technology. In this episode,…Listen | Watch
Jul 28, 2026

Michael Best Welcomes Matthew Sullivan to Real Estate Practice
Am Law 200 firm Michael Best is pleased to announce that Matthew Sullivan has joined the firm as a Partner in its Real Estate Practice Group, based in the firm’s Denver office.Read
May 6, 2026
