Public-sector clients rely on D. Shane Jones for experienced, steady guidance when challenges are complex and the stakes are high. With nearly three decades in labor, employment, and education law, he delivers clear strategy and practical solutions when it matters most.

Shane adeptly advises school districts, community colleges, and municipalities on issues including labor negotiations and relations, collective bargaining, complex employee and student investigations, employee discipline, student discipline, board governance, municipal issues, and matters relating to “Sunshine” laws and the Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Acts. He also takes on hot-button issues and political challenges, assisting clients to practical, real-world solutions.

Shane’s reassuring presence and insightful guidance give clients peace of mind, while his kindness and humor ease tensions and bring agreements to fruition. He ensures that all parties involved get a chance to add input and have their voices heard. While Shane always remains conscious of preserving long-term institutional relationships, he is unafraid to assertively push through to gain resolutions favorable to those he represents. 

A fierce advocate, Shane helps employers craft strong, reasonable and defensible bargaining proposals and present their interests at the table persuasively and effectively. In addition, he counsels and represents employers in various arbitration forums and before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, IDHR, and the MCHR. He has defended employers against claims of discrimination and unfair labor practices and led employers to victory in union campaigns, grievance arbitrations, and court litigation.

As an in-demand professional leadership and development authority and a dynamic public speaker, Shane is regularly asked to present training, workshops and roundtables to IASB, IASA, IASBO, Regional Offices of Education, MSBA, MOASPA, SHRM, and other groups. He also presents annually at the Southern Illinois Law and Leadership Conference and has delivered keynote presentations for regional office in-service days, legal conferences, and other events.  

Shane considers it an honor to represent civic-minded people and organizations that strive daily to make the country and the world a better place.