Sandberg Phoenix litigator Blank is ISBA’s Young Lawyer of Year

    Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard is proud to recognize Shane Blank as a Legal Leader.
    Blank, an associate in the firm’s Business Litigation and Product Liability Litigation practice groups, focuses his practice on appellate-related matters and federal court actions. He recently received the Illinois State Bar Association’s Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Each spring, the Young Lawyers Division recognizes two outstanding young lawyers – one practicing outside Cook County and one within. Award recipients must be members in good standing of the Illinois State Bar Association and have not yet reached age 36.
    Blank also serves as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force JAG Corps., as part of the reserve component, and is tremendously proud to have the opportunity to serve his country, his state and the various local organizations working to assist veterans.
    “I take great satisfaction in my work with the firm, and enjoy the day-to-day challenges associated with providing excellent representation to the firm’s clients,” he said. “It has also been a true privilege to serve in the military, and I appreciate the firm’s support in providing me the necessary flexibility to serve.”
    Shane has made a habit of putting forth outstanding effort. Working full time, he earned his bachelor’s degree, graduating cum laude from Missouri State University, where he double-majored in English and psychology. Shane went on earning his Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Missouri. He was recognized on the Dean’s List every semester and graduated in the top 15 percent of his class. Currently, Shane is working toward his LL.M. at Washington University in St. Louis, which will focus on Government Law & Policy and Legal Theory.
    Outside of Sandberg Phoenix and the USAF JAG Corps., he is a regular contributor to various legal publications, serves on multiple ISBA committees, and supports his family at home, including his wife who is also a military reservist.
    Blank is licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Illinois. He’s admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District and Western District of Missouri, the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. He’s a member of the Missouri Bar, Illinois Bar, Bar Association of Madison County, and the 8th Circuit Bar Association.