203-254-7544

Sheryl Shaughnessey’s s legal career has spanned more than 30 years. From her office in Fairfield she is committed to help her clients obtain the best possible outcome through compassionate and caring service to each client.   She and her staff often utilize the skills of financial and mental health professionals to achieve the best possible outcome for the client. 

Sheryl has also been a licensed funeral director associated with her family business for more than thirty years. Her background in the funeral business gives her a unique perspective and better appreciation of the impact of trauma and the effect it has on parents and children regardless of their ages.

After attending Dartmouth College and graduating from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Sheryl attended the University of Bridgeport School of Law now known as Quinnipiac University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctorate. She is a graduate of the Trial Advocacy Institute sponsored by the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association.  Prior to starting her own firm, Sheryl worked as an associate at a prestigious law firm specializing in commercial law and loan workouts, practiced criminal law and was called upon to serve as a Special Public Defender for the State of Connecticut. She represented the State of Connecticut as the Petitioner’s Representative wherein child support orders were entered on behalf of Out-of-State petitioners.

Sheryl is certified in both Mediation and Collaborative Law and is proud of her certification as both a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Attorney For Minor Children (AMC). She is appointed by the court in cases where custody and issues relating to the children are in conflict. 

Sheryl’s background as a daughter of divorce and a licensed funeral director gives her a unique perspective and full appreciation of the impact of trauma and the effect it has on parents and children regardless of their ages. 

Sheryl understands thoroughly the conflict that develops when parents focus on themselves or each other rather than on their children. She also understands grief. Having experienced the divorce process at a very young age, Sheryl recognizes the value the Collaborative Law Process and Mediation bring to resolving conflict through healthy avenues. The care and compassion she brings to her practice eases the emotional, physical and financial trauma in which the clients often find themselves. Clients involved with their spouse or partners in Mediation and Collaborative benefit from having a stake in the process and the end result. 

Throughout her career Sheryl has been commended with numerous honors including:

  • Career Service Award,  Greater Bridgeport Bar Association 2019
  • Fellow, Connecticut Bar Foundation
  • Paul Harris Community Service Award
  • Norman K. Parsells Award, Rotary District 7980
  • Team Leader, Sydney Australia, Rotary International Group Study Exchange

Outside of the legal practice, Sheryl is committed to public service and is an active participant in community activities. Sheryl is a former president of the Rotary Club of Fairfield, and continues to be active in both her local Fairfield Rotary Club and Rotary International.

An enthusiastic photographer, Sheryl can be found exploring the scenic spots of Fairfield, Connecticut looking for the ideal photo. Her other personal interests include travel, cooking, antiques, and sports in addition to her passion for volunteerism.