Shannon L. McNeal

Shannon McNeal has been described by clients as their legal "special ops"—the trusted partner they call in for critical matters with minimal ramp-up and total confidence in execution. She brings extensive experience as a former litigation, enforcement, and investigations attorney to her current role advising global technology and digital media companies. Shannon counsels businesses operating at scale and under intense regulatory and public scrutiny, offering practical, forward-looking legal guidance that supports innovation while managing legal and reputational risk.

Her practice centers on strategic product counseling and regulatory compliance, with a deep understanding of how to align legal frameworks with the pace and complexity of tech development. She works closely with in-house counsel, product managers, marketing teams, and technical engineers—collaborating at every stage of the product lifecycle to guide the launch of features, platforms, and services that reach millions of users.

Known for her sharp, solutions-oriented approach, Shannon helps clients navigate the evolving legal landscape surrounding emerging technologies—from longstanding applications like virtual and augmented reality to the fast-moving world of generative AI. She advises on both current regulatory frameworks and forward-looking policy trends. Her work addresses a broad range of legal and risk areas, including:

• Ensuring transparency and accountability in AI and machine learning algorithms
• Complying with evolving AI and data protection laws while managing user expectations
• Navigating regulations related to sales, marketing, online advertising, and consumer safety
• Managing trust and safety risks associated with user-generated content
• Balancing content moderation obligations with free speech considerations
• Safeguarding intellectual property and brand integrity in a global marketplace

Shannon also supports clients' engagement with policymakers, trade associations, and standards-setting bodies—working to shape and advance self-regulatory frameworks as alternatives to prescriptive government regulation. Her work involves advising clients and coalitions on how to develop transparent, responsible practices that can serve as industry standards in high-stakes policy arenas.

A seasoned team builder and cross-functional leader, Shannon draws on her background in investigations and enforcement to identify emerging risks and assemble the right legal and subject-matter experts to address them. Her ability to connect legal strategy with product and business goals makes her a go-to relationship partner for clients navigating complex, high-visibility challenges across disciplines and across borders.

Beyond her legal practice, Shannon is a fully engaged partner—deeply connected to her clients' goals, invested in firm culture, and active in the broader legal and Washington, D.C., communities. She is known for building strong cross-office relationships and for serving as a connector—someone who brings people, ideas, and opportunities together. Whether leading client collaborations, mentoring junior attorneys, or shaping firm initiatives, Shannon brings energy, inclusivity, and strategic vision to everything she does.

She regularly partners with in-house counsel on initiatives that go beyond legal work, including CLE programming, strategic conference branding, pro bono efforts, charitable campaigns, and community engagement. Her professional leadership includes serving as the firmwide co-chair of the Attorneys of Color affinity group and ongoing leadership of the Black Attorney affinity group. Shannon is a visible presence in the Washington, D.C., office and across the firm, where she plays an active role in recruiting, mentoring, and integrating new talent.

By partnering with Shannon, clients gain not only a sharp legal mind, but a collaborative advisor who understands how to align legal strategy with business priorities—and who brings a strong sense of purpose, community, and connection to every engagement.