- I make sure to include mental health in my list of well-being by having a consistent mindfulness practice
- I love being outside and with our horses as well as hiking, camping and playing at the beach
- Travel is an important part of life for me, I enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people
- I love growing my own herbs, vegetables, and fruits in my home garden
- Volunteering as board member in Citizens Protecting Humboldt Bay, Native Health in Native Hands, and All Relations is important to me because I believe it is important to give back to my community
Shannon C. Wilhite
Attorney
Bayside,California
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with extensive experience in conducting comprehensive legal research and analysis to inform and strengthen case strategies. Proven ability to leverage exceptional communication and negotiation skills for effective client advocacy, ensuring prioritization of client interests. Consistent record of successfully managing complex legal matters, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. Passionate about delivering high-quality legal support while navigating the intricacies of the legal landscape.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney
Senitnel Law APC
06.2025 - Current
- Pursue personal injury actions against violators under the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65).
- Conduct in-depth legal research on more than 200 matters, strengthening case preparation and the effectiveness of legal arguments.
- Streamline document management and workflow processes, improving team efficiency and case handling accuracy.
- Develop and execute strategies tailored to advancing clients’ best interests and achieving optimal outcomes.
- Negotiate favorable settlements in complex disputes and litigation.
- Secure successful results by identifying key legal issues and drafting clear, persuasive arguments.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues to refine legal strategies and prepare cases for presentation.
Attorney
Shannon C. Wilhite, Attorney at Law
01.2019 - 05.2025
- Owned and operated a family and civil law practice in Bayside, California.
- Practiced in state, district, and appellate courts.
- Served over 50 clients per year, emphasizing client attorney relationship.
- Worked closely with clients to identify goals, maintain clear communication, and build strong attorney-client relationships.
- Managed complex caseloads by prioritizing tasks, maintaining organized records, and ensuring timely case progression.
- Analyzed case law and statutory authority to develop effective legal strategies tailored to diverse client needs.
- Drafted legal documents with precision, ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Represented clients in court proceedings, advocating confidently and professionally to protect their best interests.
- Negotiated settlements to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing litigation costs and risks.
- Cultivated strong working relationships with opposing counsel, promoting constructive negotiation, and dispute resolution.
Co-Director
All Relations, Non-Profit
06.2022 - Current
- Curate projects that match our mission, offering comprehensive legal support for their environmental concerns.
- Serve local community groups and tribal entities addressing their needs by providing sound legal advice and on-the-ground support.
- Support 2-3 projects per year.
- Wins driven by All Relations include the permanent closure of Trinity Sand and Gravel Mine, and a settlement with Nordic Aquafarms.
Grant Manager
K'ima:w Medical Center
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Planned and directed monthly cultural activities for Hoopa Valley Tribal youth,
- Provided community and local schools with suicide prevention training.
- Integrated evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.
- Developed grant proposals aligned with organizational goals, community priorities, and programmatic needs.
- Ensured full compliance with federal, state, and local grant regulations, maintaining accurate and timely documentation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align projects with strategic objectives.
- Streamlined grant reporting processes, improving accuracy, efficiency, and submission timeliness.
- Attended relevant training, both locally and outside of our region. Participated in over 20 training events.
- Mentored junior staff in management and program administration best practices, supporting their professional growth.
- Analyzed budgetary requirements to optimize resource allocation across multiple programs and services.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with funding agencies, enhancing communication and partnership opportunities through weekly calls and emails.
- Implemented feedback systems to gather insights, outcomes, and success stories from grant recipients, strengthening future proposals through monthly meetings with K'ima:w Behavioral Health staff. .
- Fostered strategic partnerships with organizations in related sectors to expand networks and increase access to shared resources.
Paralegal
Hoopa Valley Tribe, Office of Tribal Attorney
10.2018 - 02.2019
- Served the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council on legal matters as part of the Tribe’s legal team.
- Prepared legal documents and correspondence for clear and effective client communication.
- Conducted legal research on tribal law, federal Indian law, and related regulations to support case strategy and decision-making.
- Managed over 200 case files and documentation systems to ensure organization, accuracy, and accessibility of critical information.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements for compliance with tribal policies, laws, and regulatory requirements.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to legal standards.
- Strengthened attorney–client relationships through professional, empathetic interactions during meetings and phone calls while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Education
J.D. - Environmental Law including EPA, CWA, NEPA, Ocean Law
University of Oregon Law
Eugene, Oregon12.2017
J.D. - Collaborative Justice
Vermont Law
Royalton, VT12.2017
J.D. - Human Rights Program
De Paul University
San Jose, Costa Rica12.2017
Graduate Coursework - Marine Biology
University of Hawaii, Manoa
Hilo, Hawaii01.2013
Graduate Coursework - Genetics
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, California01.2012
Graduate Coursework - Water quality master's program
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, California01.2001
BS - Marine Ecology
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, Washington05.1998
Skills
- Legal document preparation
- Case management
- Trial experience
- Oral debate
- Legal writing
- Document review
- Investigation skills
- Legal research
- Client representation and advisement
- Settlement negotiation
- Environmental Law
- Personal Injury
- Federal Court
Accomplishments
- Won a Section 1983 civil rights case in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal on the Rooker-Feldman Doctrine;
- Settled a Section 1983 civil rights case, in my client's favor, in the Northern District Court of California;
- Successfully supported Junction City residents in shutting down an offending mine on a wild and scenic river;
- Successfully supported indigenous families in the Yurok Tribal Court and the Hoopa Valley Tribal Court;
- Supported over 100 families in dependency and family law courts in the state of California;
- Served ten clients per year pro bono.
Interests
Timeline
Attorney
Senitnel Law APC
06.2025 - Current
Co-Director
All Relations, Non-Profit
06.2022 - Current
Grant Manager
K'ima:w Medical Center
02.2019 - 02.2021
Attorney
Shannon C. Wilhite, Attorney at Law
01.2019 - 05.2025
Paralegal
Hoopa Valley Tribe, Office of Tribal Attorney
10.2018 - 02.2019
J.D. - Human Rights Program
De Paul University
Graduate Coursework - Genetics
Cal Poly Humboldt
Graduate Coursework - Water quality master's program
Cal Poly Humboldt
BS - Marine Ecology
The Evergreen State College
J.D. - Environmental Law including EPA, CWA, NEPA, Ocean Law
University of Oregon Law
J.D. - Collaborative Justice
Vermont Law
Graduate Coursework - Marine Biology
University of Hawaii, Manoa
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE OR LEADERSHIP
- LITIGATION/ACTIVISM
- 2016- 2017
- LITIGATION AGAINST UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
- Brought suit against the University of Oregon for their failure to notify families of known lead in over six blocks of family housing. University of Oregon repaired homes and compensated individuals for the harm. Eugene, Oregon.
- LAW INTERN
- SUMMER 2017
- CIVIL LIBERTIES DEFENSE CENTER
- Research and writing regarding a §1983 claim against Eugen Police Department. Eugene, Oregon.
- SUMMER 2016
- WESTERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
- Research and writing for a section of a Colorado timber sale complaints in preparation for litigation on the timber sale’s effects on native sites within the logging area; Archeological Resource Protection Act. Eugene, Oregon.
- SUMMER 2015
- OUR CHILDREN'S TRUST
- International Law; Research and writing of a significant part of the petition for the Pakistan Litigation, which included a parge portion of research dedicated to international human rights laws. Eugene, Oregon.
- INTERN
- 2010-2012
- NOAA
- Onboard a 19’ research vessel photographed marine mammals off the coast of northern California focusing on the gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus; prepared and identified photos for an ongoing catalog of local and migrating gray whale individuals, collected samples as part of NOAA’s research in partnership with the Makah Tribe on the sub-population of Eschrichtius robustus. Arcata, California.
- 2009- 2010
- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND INFORMATION CENTER
- Developed a system for recording volumes of herbicides and pesticides sprayed per timber sale; summarized this information for online public dissemination. Arcata, California.
- 1997-1998
- CASCADIA RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
- Developed photos of marine cetaceans; and identified individual cetaceans in a regularly updated catalog; collected marine mammal tissue samples from deceased species for lab work. Olympia, Washington.