Shane McDonald
Senior Counsel
Shane McDonald is a trial lawyer in the firm’s Litigation Department. His practice focuses on the following areas:
- Energy industry business litigation
- Oil and gas litigation
- Complex commercial litigation
- Personal injury defense
- Health care litigation
Shane’s energy litigation practice includes the representation of oil and gas companies specializing in oilfield services, drilling and completion services, midstream operations, exploration and production, and marketing. He has also represented wind farm developers and solar energy developers. His commercial litigation practice includes the representation of real estate developers, health care providers, investing and asset management firms, manufacturing companies, and distributing companies.
Shane has represented clients in litigation in Texas state court and in federal courts throughout the country. He has also represented clients in private arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc.
Shane is involved in every aspect of his cases — from preliminary investigations and assessments through trial and the appellate process. He is also routinely involved in counseling clients on general business matters, contractual compliance, and risk management and avoidance. No matter the stage of the dispute or litigation at hand, Shane is an asset that aims to add value for the benefit of his clients.
Shane is a member of the Energy Litigation and Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Groups and the Energy Sector.
Representative Experience*
Energy Litigation
- Represented renewable energy and infrastructure developer in dispute with landowners regarding the development of certain wind and solar projects. Obtained favorable resolution for client.
- Represented oil and gas executive and investor wrongfully excluded from exploration and production joint venture. Obtained favorable settlement for client.
- Represented a hydrocarbon exploration and production company in arbitration involving numerous complex disputes and claims arising from a long-term supply agreement.
- Represented lender and institutional asset manager in dispute regarding ownership of overriding royalty interests throughout Texas. Obtained favorable summary judgment dismissing certain claims asserted against client and decreeing partial ownership of the subject overriding royalty interests in favor of client.
Commercial Litigation
- Defended real estate investor and developer in breach of contract claim brought by builder. Obtained summary judgment on breach of contract claim based on the statute of frauds.
- Represented medical transport company and health care provider in dispute regarding liability for a claim arising from professional services provided by the company’s predecessor-in-interest before a defined asset purchase. Obtained a voluntary dismissal of the claims against client.
- Prosecuted claims for breach of contract and warranties on behalf of vitamin supplements manufacturer against packaging company after contamination resulted in significant losses of product. Obtained favorable settlement for client.
- Represented utilities provider in dispute brought by a former employee asserting employment-related and defamation claims. Obtained favorable settlement for client.
Personal Injury Defense
- Represented oil and gas drilling contractor in defense of personal injury claims brought by the employee of a sub-contractor. Served as second-chair trial counsel, and after a two-week jury trial, successfully negotiated favorable settlement terms for client.
- Represented mineral distribution company accused of gross negligence in the death of its employee. Obtained favorable settlement for client.
Insurance Litigation
- Represented additional insured entity in dispute with insurance carrier over coverage for personal injury claims. Obtained favorable settlement at the infancy of litigation.
*Certain matters handled prior to joining Foley
Awards and Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation (2024)
Affiliations
- Member of the State Bar of Texas
- Member of the Houston Bar Association
- Member of the Houston Young Lawyers Association