October One to Watch
by Whitney Keltch

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” Shaun Hassett embodies this idea of leadership, as he tirelessly contributes his time to help improve the lives of others. Not only is he a successful lawyer, but he is also an avid volunteer and understands the importance of giving back.

Shaun completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Arlington (Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering) and completed law school at the University of Dayton School of Law in Ohio. He practices intellectual property litigation at McGuireWoods, LLP.

Shaun is an indispensible member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers through his involvement in the Animal Welfare Committee and the 2015 Leadership Class, which broke DAYL’s record for the most money raised in a single event (over $50,000.00!). This event benefitted Communities in Schools’ Ketchup Saturday Program. This program helps identify and provide third graders who have fallen behind with focused tutoring, mentorship, and meals. Shaun was part of a legal team that secured permits from the city of Dallas to host the event at the Margaret Hunt Bridge and ensured compliance with all city ordinances.

Further, as a co-chair of the Animal Welfare Committee since 2013, Shaun has assisted with the organization of multiple events. This includes a silent auction and happy hour to benefit Operation Kindness, DAYL’s team at the SPCA’s Strut Your Mutt 5K, and the annual “Cans for K-9’s and Felines” which benefits the pets of the residents of Senior Source.  He also attends the annual Animal Welfare volunteer event, which typically organizes a large DAYL group to assist with walking, feeding, playing, and improving the grounds of a shelter or rescue organization.

In his spare time, Shaun loves to travel, golf, play ice hockey, ski, and cook. He’s originally from Buffalo, New York and is a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres. He also enjoys traveling, and his favorite destination thus far is Switzerland. He hopes to make it to Australia and New Zealand one day as well.