35 Years of Integrity.
Shaping a Lasting Tomorrow.
Celebrating three and a half decades of protecting what matters most to Texas entrepreneurs: Your Business. Your Family. Your Community.
The Entrepreneur’s Ally
In October 1991, Jim Shields founded this firm on a simple, inherited principle: “Do what’s right because it’s right.”
While the legal market in the 1990’s was crowded, we didn’t just try to survive. We set out to be different. We viewed the law not as a hurdle, but as a tool for building legacy and driving constant progress. Through those early years, we established the two non-negotiables that define us today: lead with integrity and work hard.
“My father always told me: ‘Begin… the rest is easy.’ When I started this firm thirty-five years ago, that was the spark.”
— Jim Shields, Founder
Aligning with Purpose
By 2010, we found ourselves at a pivotal moment. To remain authentic to our mission, we recognized that we couldn’t be everything to everyone. We made the deliberate choice to align ourselves only with clients who shared our vision—leaders who weren’t just chasing a bottom line but were doing something great for their organizations and communities.
This decision changed our DNA. We moved from simply solving problems to becoming true partners in our clients’ success.
We deepened our own commitment to “doing good” by partnering with the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). Since January 2014, Shields Legal has been a steadfast Cornerstone Sponsor and Business Impact Member, proving that we don’t just advise on values—we live them.
Curated for Legacy
Today, operated from Knoll Trail Plaza, we are laser-focused on a singular mission: safeguarding what our clients care about most.
We have curated our services specifically for business owners and family offices seeking to build value and fuel growth. Whether you are navigating tax-efficient succession planning, preparing for an exit, or transitioning the reins to the next generation, we do the hard work to find the winning outcome.
Build Value
Strategic counsel for growth and acquisition.
Fuel Growth
Removing legal complexities so you can focus on your business.
Protect Legacy
Ensuring your hard work benefits your family and community for decades to come.
Our Mission: Moving Good Forward
As we look toward the next 35 years, our path is clear. Standing on fertile ground in North Texas, we are limited only by our vision.
Under the leadership of Managing Shareholder David Shields, our goal is not just growth, but impact. We exist to empower businesses to better our world.
“That is the singular idea that unites us: to be the firm that moves Good forward. Whether it’s for our team, our clients, or our community, our next chapter is defined by that promise—to advance the Power of Good in everything we do.”
— David Shields, Managing Shareholder
Let’s Go Do Something Great
To honor this milestone, Shields Legal is hosting a series of initiatives throughout the year, culminating in an anniversary celebration this October. We invite our clients, partners, and friends to join us as we look forward to the next chapter.
To our clients, our partners, and our team… Thank you for being part of this story.
The mission of Shields Legal is to bring strategic business insight, professional judgment and competence to your company’s business and legal issues.