About Shawn
Shawn Fitzgerald built his foundation in the social sciences before turning to law. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2002. He then completed his legal studies at The John Marshall Law School, receiving his J.D. in 2005. That combination of undergraduate study and legal training shaped an approach that blends analytical thinking with attention to client concerns.
After law school Fitzgerald entered private practice in Iowa. He joined an established local firm and, by 2007, had become a partner at Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, PLC. His name appears on the firm letterhead, and he has been part of the firm's leadership for nearly two decades. That longevity suggests a steady role in guiding client matters and handling day-to-day firm responsibilities.
Fitzgerald practices in Iowa courts and state matters. Over time he has handled a range of cases and transactions that brought him into regular contact with judges, opposing counsel, and clients across the state. Colleagues describe him as methodical. He approaches files in a step-by-step manner and emphasizes clear communication with clients.
Leadership at the firm has extended beyond casework. As a partner since 2007, Fitzgerald has shared responsibility for managing firm operations, mentoring newer attorneys, and helping set firm policies. He has been part of discussions about staffing, case allocation, and client intake. Those tasks sit alongside his work on individual matters.
Clients and peers note that Fitzgerald values preparation. He tends to break complex problems into discrete issues and address them in sequence. That working style shapes how he manages discovery, negotiation, and courtroom preparation when litigation is involved. It also informs how he prepares transactional documents when matters do not proceed to contested hearings.
Outside the specifics of any single case, Fitzgerald’s professional life has been tied to his firm and to Iowa practice. He continues to work from the Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, PLC office and serves clients across the state. As of 2026 he maintains an active practice in Iowa through Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, PLC, handling client matters across the firm’s areas of practice.
