San Diego trial lawyers who prepare every case for a verdict.
Shields Litigation PC represents individuals, families, and businesses in civil litigation, property damage, real estate disputes, and catastrophic injury cases throughout San Diego County.
Office in La Jolla, serving all of San Diego County
Free case review
Tell us what happened. A lawyer reviews every inquiry.
Call (858) 203-1500 888 Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla Send us your case Schedule a consultationContacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please don't include confidential details.
Practice areas
Four focused areas of litigation, each with its own team approach and courtroom strategy.
Civil litigation
Business and civil disputes in San Diego Superior Court and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, from demand letter through trial.
- Business & commercial litigation
- Breach of contract
- Partnership & shareholder disputes
- Business fraud & misrepresentation
- Unfair competition & trade secrets
- Insurance bad faith
Property damage
Recovery for homes, businesses, and land damaged by fire, water, earth movement, and utility failures, including claims against utilities and insurers.
- Wildfire litigation
- Smoke & ash damage
- Fire insurance claim disputes
- Utility & power-line fires
- Gas line explosions
- Water & flood damage
Real estate litigation
Litigation over residential and commercial property across San Diego County, for buyers, sellers, owners, landlords, tenants, and investors.
- Purchase & sale disputes
- Seller nondisclosure
- Broker & agent negligence
- Boundary, easement & encroachment
- HOA disputes
- Contractor & construction disputes
Catastrophic injuries
Life-changing injuries and wrongful death claims arising from vehicle crashes, unsafe property, and dangerous products on San Diego roads and in San Diego communities.
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury & paralysis
- Severe burn injuries
- Amputation & limb loss
- Wrongful death
- Car accidents
Meet John S. Shields
After working for several law firms, John S. Shields founded Shields Litigation PC to give clients personal attention and a legal plan built for their case. John counsels every client directly and prepares each matter as if it will go to trial, because detailed preparation is what produces better and faster resolutions.
- Bar admissions
- State Bar of California, No. 332363
Alaska Bar Association, No. 2510076 - Courts
- Supreme Court of the United States; U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
- Education
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, J.D.; University of Arizona, B.A.
- Memberships
- Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; Carlsbad Rotary
How a case starts
Free case review
Call or send us your case online. We listen, ask questions, and tell you plainly whether we can help.
Investigation
We gather evidence, consult experts, and identify every responsible party and insurance policy.
Negotiation or trial
We pursue a fair settlement and prepare from day one to take your case to a San Diego jury.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a case review cost?
Case reviews are free. Many injury and property damage cases are handled on a contingency fee, meaning no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Business and real estate matters may use hourly, flat, or hybrid fees, which we explain in writing up front.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in California?
Deadlines vary by claim. Many personal injury claims must be filed within two years, and claims against a city, county, or state agency can require a government claim within six months. Contact a lawyer promptly so no deadline is missed.
My insurance company denied or underpaid my fire claim. What can I do?
You may have claims for breach of contract and insurance bad faith. Keep every letter, estimate, and photo, and request a certified copy of your policy.
Do you handle cases outside the city of San Diego?
Yes. We represent clients throughout San Diego County, from Oceanside and Escondido to Chula Vista and El Cajon, and across California.