About Justin James
Justin James McShane built a path from a small suburban school to a law practice that leans heavily on technical evidence. He completed his secondary education at Georgetown Preparatory School in 1994 before earning a B.A. in Government and International Affairs from Franklin & Marshall College in 1998. During college he spent a semester at the University of Limerick Law Department in 1997. He then took his law degree from Dickinson School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 2001.
Early in his legal career McShane worked in the Dauphin County system. As a certified legal intern in 1999 he conducted trials for the county, experience that exposed him to courtroom procedure at a young stage. After law school he served as an assistant lawyer for the County of Dauphin beginning in 2001, working on matters within the local criminal justice system.
In 2003 he left public employment and established The McShane Firm, LLC, where he serves as Chairman and CEO. Over the years the firm’s caseload has reflected McShane’s training and interests. He handles criminal matters that range from impaired driving prosecutions to contested forensic issues. He has pursued additional training and credentials that align with those case types.
That training is extensive and detailed. McShane holds Board Certification in DUI Defense Law from the National College for DUI Defense and related recognition from the same organization. He has completed numerous forensic chemistry certificates through the American Chemical Society, including courses in forensic chromatography and drug analysis, and holds specialized certifications in alcohol and sobriety testing. He has also undertaken firearm-related training through the International Firearm Specialist Academy and other tactical and regulatory courses provided by Orchid Advisors and others. His qualifications include certification as an Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Technician and as a Standardized Forensic Sobriety Test Instructor through national law enforcement programs.
Professional affiliations form a large part of his résumé. He has served as co-chairman of the Forensic Science section of the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division. He was a founding member and has served as president of the Pennsylvania Association for Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers. He is a state delegate and super delegate for the National College for DUI Defense and belongs to national and local criminal defense organizations, bar associations and forensic science groups. He has also participated on advisory committees that evaluate controlled substance analogs.
McShane maintains an active trial practice at The McShane Firm, LLC. His current practice centers on criminal defense, particularly DUI defense and cases that involve forensic and scientific evidence.
