DENVER (March 27, 2024) – Sherman & Howard is pleased to announce the addition of a former Lockheed Martin Space (LM Space) Operations general counsel L. Shawn Cheadle to the firm’s Business & Real Estate practice group. Cheadle will co-lead the Aerospace industry group.

Cheadle spent 15 years in various roles, including general counsel of Operations, Military Space, Surveillance and Navigations Systems, and Missile Defense Systems, at LM Space. He was recognized with the company’s highest honor, the NOVA Award and as Colorado’s Best Corporate Counsel by the Denver Business Journal.

“I’m doing things a little unconventionally by coming from an in-house role as general counsel into a practice,” Cheadle said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to use my vast experience in the industry to work with clients, specifically suppliers.”

His understanding of technology and products is invaluable when negotiating deals and contracts. Cheadle uses risk intelligence strategies in his negotiations for efficient and excellent results.

“Shawn’s unique experience within the aerospace industry and insights into government contracts will be an asset to our firm and clients,” said CEO Stefan Stein. “We’re pleased he chose to join us.”

“Shawn’s ‘in the trenches’ experience will be valuable for our aerospace clients as they prioritize and solve the complex legal issues of operating in this industry,” said Garth Jensen, co-lead of the Aerospace industry group. “Beyond the pure legal advice, he will bring helpful operational and strategic insight, especially to our smaller clients. Our team is excited to be working with someone of Shawn’s high level and deep experience and understanding of the challenges facing our clients.”

During his time at LM Space, Cheadle worked in a wide variety of areas, including corporate governance; mergers and acquisitions; international agreements; government and commercial contracts; satellite and missile defense programs; space law matters; supply chain and compliance related to government, commercial, and construction contracts; launch and payload processing; and facility operations, services, and security. Before joining LM Space, he supported aerospace and defense suppliers for a dozen years.

“When I was looking to join a firm, I considered my options and I felt Sherman & Howard would be the best fit for me. Two respected friends and attorneys recommended I join the team at Sherman & Howard because of its reputation in the industry and history in Colorado,” Cheadle said. “Our clients will find I’m customer-service driven and tenacious.”

Cheadle grew up in Northern California and enjoys life with his wife, Lora Plank Cheadle, in Littleton, Colorado. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law and earned his undergrad degree at San Jose State University.

About Sherman & Howard

Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Our attorneys provide high-quality legal and business solutions to a broad range of clients, including private, public, and government entities. We have extensive experience in aerospace and government contracting, infrastructure and construction, financial services, natural resources, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, consumer products and retail, and nonprofit entities. For more information, visit shermanhoward.com.