Shawn M. Dorward, Esq.
Litigiaton Associate
Shawn pledges to provide you with informed analysis and honest advice to help you make the right decision for your case and your future.
Attorney Shawn Dorward is recognized as one of the most dedicated and hardworking attorneys in Pennsylvania, making him an outstanding protector of your rights. He has handled hundreds of cases ranging from Pennsylvania DUI (including CDL and refusal cases), to DUI with drugs, assault, battery, and domestic cases such as divorce, support, and child custody. With your case, Shawn vows to work extremely hard to secure for you the best possible outcome.
Areas of Practice
Attorney Dorward’s primary practice is criminal law, with specialization in DUI. He is especially well versed in challenging Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) from breath and blood testing. As a trial attorney, he is not afraid to argue matters before a judge and challenge the State’s sloppy forensic labs. A brutal cross-examiner, Shawn has repeatedly forced police officers to admit to untrustworthy evidence. As a criminal defense attorney, Shawn excels in challenging cases with the latest in forensic science.
In contrast to his aggressive DUI work, Shawn has also earned a reputation as a caring and knowledgeable family lawyer by handling divorce, custody, and adoption cases with all the necessary patience and care each case deserves.
Attorney Dorward is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and all Pennsylvania State Courts. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court-Middle District of Pennsylvania and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court. He is an active member of the American and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. He is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Specialized DUI Training
With hundreds of hours of advanced DUI and forensic science training, Shawn’s combination of knowledge and experience are unmatched by other DUI lawyers in Pennsylvania. He is highly-trained in all aspects of DUI and brings his expertise to the courtroom to defend your rights.
Some highlights of Attorney Dorward’s specialized DUI training are:
- Instructor Certification of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (roadside DUI tests) – certification higher than most Pennsylvania police officers.
- Multiple plaques in recognition of attendance at the NCDD Summer Session held at Harvard School of Law in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Alco-Sensor FST Operator and Instructor certification – the same breathalyzer equipment used by police officers nationwide.
Attorney Dorward’s Philosophy
On most nights, you’ll find Attorney Dorward in his office, preparing his cases long after the support staff has left. A firm believer in hard work, preparation, and dedication, Shawn feels at home in the courtroom because that’s where he excels in protecting your rights. Attorney Dorward prides himself on promptly returning phone calls and being available to you 24 hours a day.
Personal Background
Attorney Dorward earned his undergraduate degree at Temple University where he majored in Sport Management. Through his major he had the opportunity of working with several major professional teams in Philadelphia including the Phillies and 76ers. While at Temple, he also participated in student government and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity where he had the opportunity to volunteer for several local community outreach programs.
After graduating from Temple, Attorney Dorward attended Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. Here he dedicated his studies to criminal defense and in his third year participated in the criminal law clinic where he had the opportunity to represent individuals charged with summary and misdemeanor offenses. He also worked with a local criminal defense attorney primarily on a death penalty case where the Defendants life was ultimately spared.
While outside of work Attorney Dorward enjoys spending time with his family and working out in his local gym. With every aspect of his life, he attempts to be the best and always strides to put his best efforts forward.
Use the download link to the left to download Attorney Dorward’s resume.
Attorney Dorward
⋅ holds a current Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) rating as recognized by the USDOT;
⋅ holds a current certificates as NHTSA/IACP approved Instructor rating in the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Advanced Roadside Impairment Driving Enforcement, Drugs that Impair Driving and Drug Recognition Expert Courses;
⋅ has been conferred plaques in recognition of attendance at the NCDD Summer Session held at Harvard School of Law in Cambridge, Massachusetts;
⋅ passed the proficiency based testing in Advanced Forensic Blood and Urine
Professional Associations
The National College for DUI Defense
The Pennsylvania Bar Association
American Association for Justice
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Pennsylvania Association for Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
DUI Certificates and Training
2011 NCDD Summer Session Plaque
2011 Scientific Truth Seminar Certificate
2010 NCDD Board of Regents Membership Certificate
2010 NCDD Harvard Summer Session Plaque
2010 Metrology Seminar Certificate
2010 MAAFS Semniar Certificate
2010 Homoly Seminar Certificate
2009 NCDD Harvard Summer Session Plaque
2009 ITD Advanced Issues in Alcohol Testing Seminar Certificate
2009 Forensic Blood and Urine Seminar Certificate
2009 NHTSA DRE Seminar Certificate
2009 ARIDE Certification
2008 FST Supervisor Certification
2008 NHTSA SFST Overview Seminar Certificate
2008 FST Operator Certification
2008 NHTSA SFST Instructor Certification
2008 NCDD Membership Certificate
2008 Breath Alcohol Technician Certification
2008 NHTSA Drugs That Impair Driving Seminar Certificate
Seminar Nametags
2011 MCDAA Seminar Nametag
2011 NCDD Summer Session at Harvard Law
2010 NCDD Summer Session Nametag
2010 MCDAA Seminar Nametag
2009 NCDD Summer Session Nametag
Other Credits
Presenting a case study at a national DUI conference
Attorney Dorward had my cases of DUI completely dismissed and saved my CDL license.
JR- CDL DUI Dismissed
It was my very first time hiring an attorney and I believe I made an excellent choice by going with Shawn Dorward. He made everything completely clear and very easy to understand what was going on. He gave me great advice and was game for whatever choice I made.
JK – Harrisburg
From Clients
Very Professional, you worked for me. I’ve had lawyers before that did nothing but accept the fees.
DM- Harrisburg
Very Professional, you worked for me. I’ve had lawyers before that did nothing but accept the fees.
From the first time I talked with Shawn, I knew that was who I wanted to represent me. He is by far the nicest lawyer I have ever dealt with.
KL – Harrisburg
I felt that from the beginning Shawn and his staff truly cared. Shawn assured me he would fight for me and I believed him. I have decided to move forward with the fight, and wouldn’t want any other attorney.
ML – Harrisburg
It was my very first time hiring an attorney and I believe I made an excellent choice by going with Shawn Dorward. He made everything completely clear and very easy to understand what was going on. He gave me great advice and was game for whatever choice I made.
JK – Harrisburg
Special thank you to David Hoover and Jason Campbell for all the work and support with short notice. We know they worked long and late. Both David Hoover and Jason Campbell gave 100% to help solve the crisis with so little time to spare. I know your entire staff worked extra hard behind the scenes as well to make everything happen. My entire family has seen results. Your entire office is full of PROS!
BS – Harrisburg
From Peers
Shawn and I met at a blood seminar in San Diego. He is a smart and capable attorney who impressed me with his knowledge of blood analysis issues. I would recomend Shawn to anyone accused of DUI.
Attorney Craig Rosenstein, Scottsdale AZ
I met Shawn at a high level Forsensics Course in San Diego, California. Shawn tackled the scientific material at the course with enthusiasm and through our conversations showed that he is very committed the Defense of allegedly impaired drivers. Shawn is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and is very knowledgable in the field of DUI/DWI law.
Attorney Cory Yager, Atlanta GA
Shawn has been practicing law for a short time but he has been studying the fine points of criminal litigation for a long period of time. Shawn clerked for Justin McShane while studying for the bar. During that time, Shawn was involved in numerous cases and helped Attorney McShane prepare for trial. While learning from the best, Shawn has been busy developing his own style and finding his own voice. He is a charismatic lawyer and a skilled trial attorney. His experience is vast in comparison to his time in practice and in fact, he already has more trial experience than many attorneys with 10+ years of experience. If you are considering retaining Shawn you should have absolute confidence in his abilities and commitment to your case.
Attorney William Bly, Biddeford ME
I endorse this lawyer’s work. I have known Mr. Dorward for a number of years now and am pleased to say he is one of the attorneys that is vigilantly staying on top of and honing his skills in the DUI field. The laws and technology regarding DUI detection and defense are constantly changing and Mr. Dorward has demonstrated his desire to continue learning by regularly attending local and national DUI seminars. He is a fine attorney.
Attorney Bruce Robinson, Baltimore MD
I met Shawn through the National College for DUI defense. We attended the most rigorous DUI blood testing courses in the country together. Very few DUI attorneys could pass the final test, but Shawn shined. When your liberty is on the line, look no further.
Attorney Gary Pirosko, Denver CO
more testimonials »
Charges against pair bound over to court in abuse case
August 9, 2010
Judge: DA’s office must pay $5,000 fine for contempt
August 5, 2009
more press »
Attorney Dorward has no notable appeals at this time.
Have a question for Shawn M. Dorward? Use the form below to send him an email. Attorney Dorward prides himself on returning all phone calls and emails promptly.
Testimonials
Justin McShane is a top notch lawyer. He is known both as a formidable advocate and creative legal mind. I respect his work ethic, his dedication to the craft of practicing law and his shining example of excellence in the legal community. Justin is smart, tenacious and compassionate. It gives me great pleasure to endorse him. Counsel and the accused would be well advised to contact him immediately if you need sound, experienced legal advice.
- Attorney F. Powers, Charlotte NC
This fine attorney is known and respected throughout this nation. While I do not live in Pennsylvania (I live in Tennessee), I communicate with Attorney McShane on a regular basis. At a recent conference in San Diego California, Attorney McShane was selected to deliver a presentation on how he successfully fought and won a recent case when the government’s chemical test showed Attorney McShane’s client was more that four (4) times the legal limit for blood alcohol. Other presenters included the foremost experts in the world (Sweden, Canada, United States) on DUI/DWI topics. Attorney McShane understands complex topics and can speak about them at length with no preparation. His library of books and artices on issues involved in DUI/DWI is sought after by attorneys throughout the country. I could not give Attorney McShane a higher endorsement. He is truely a hard working and intellectually dominant attorney.
- Attorney Douglas Aaron, Manchester TN
Justin is one of the best DWI attorneys I know. Period. If I were unfortunate enough to find myself on the wrong side of the law, Justin McShane is the first and only attorney I would turn to. His breadth of knowledge and commitment to his clients is truly amazing. He is a tireless and zealous advocate who has developed a reputation for fearlessness in the courtroom. When any attorney has a question regarding DWI work, Justin always has the answer. He is without peer in Pennsylvania and I count myself fortunate to count him as not only a colleague, but a very good friend as well.