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Atty. Shawn C. Helms

Atty. Shawn C. Helms

Shawn C. Helms is co-head of the Firm’s Technology Transactions & Outsourcing Practice.

Dallas Dallas 26 yrs experience 26 year
Call (214) 295-8000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Shawn C. Helms at a glance

Shawn C. Helms is a internet attorney based in Dallas, Texas, practicing at McDermott Will & Schulte. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in California (2000) and Texas (2005). Educated at Georgetown University (JD, 2000) and William Jewell College (—, 1996). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Artificial Intelligence Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — IT Outsourcing Law (2026). Serands clients in Dallas, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Shawn C. Helms is co-head of the Firm’s Technology Transactions & Outsourcing Practice
  • Shawn has broad experience in the areas of information technology, digital health, AI, telecommunications and outsourcing
  • He focuses his practice on complex transactions involving technology and intellectual property, including business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology outsourcing (ITO), licensing, cloud computing arrangements (infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS)), technology maintenance and services, technology development/customization (including iPhone, Android and other mobile device applications and systems), wireless infrastructure, social media issues, strategic alliances, e-commerce, distribution, confidentiality, strategic sourcing and data security/privacy
  • He also advise clients on transition services and technology and intellectual property matters relating to the acquisition or divestiture of businesses
  • Shawn has a special focus on artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA) and big data applications
  • Shawn also has significant experience in advising clients through software audits and related negotiations and settlements, open source software issues and software escrow matters
  • Shawn regularly advices clients on generative AI issues (e.g., ChatGPT)
  • Shawn has written widely on the topics of technology and outsourcing
  • Shawn is the co-author of a legal treatise on outsourcing law, Outsourcing Law and Business published by Law Journal Press (the treatise publishing arm of American Lawyer Media)
  • It is the only comprehensive treatise on outsourcing law
  • This treatise gives detailed treatment to all material legal and business issues associated with outsourcing transactions
  • The treatise also covers changes in the outsourcing industry (e.g., RPA, cloud computing and smaller transactions) and suggests new tools and a modern approach for dealing with these changes
  • Learn more atwww.outsourcingtreatise.com
  • Shawn is also the co-author of a Bloomberg BNA portfolio titled “Technology and Outsourcing”
  • Previously, Shawn was a partner at an international law firm, in-house counsel at T-Mobile / Sprint and the CIO of Williams & Connolly
  • Shawn earned bachelor’s degrees in computer systems, business administration and economics
  • Shawn worked as part of a team to create free, downloadable form Master Outsourcing Service Agreements (MOSA) for United States and German law
  • This form MOSA is available at www.outsourcingmsa.com

Practice Areas Explained

Shawn C. Helms's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Shawn C. Helms handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Internet & Cyber Law

Internet and cyber lawyers for data breaches, online defamation, privacy law, and cybersecurity matters.

Shawn C. Helms is one of 17,958 internet attorneys indexed nationally. Browse internet attorneys in Texas →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Texas

Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Dallas are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Dallas or all attorneys in Texas.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Shawn C. Helms

Where is Shawn C. Helms's law office located?
Shawn C. Helms's law practice is located in Dallas, Texas. The firm is McDermott Will & Schulte. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Shawn C. Helms handle?
Shawn C. Helms focuses on internet. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Texas.
How long has Shawn C. Helms practiced law?
Shawn C. Helms has 26+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2000.
Where did Shawn C. Helms go to law school?
Shawn C. Helms earned their education at (JD, 2000); (—, 1996).
How can I contact Shawn C. Helms for a consultation?
You can contact Shawn C. Helms directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Shawn C. Helms received?
Shawn C. Helms's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Artificial Intelligence Law; Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law; Best Lawyers in America — IT Outsourcing Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law.

Education

JD
Georgetown University
- 2000
William Jewell College
- 1996

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Artificial Intelligence Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — IT Outsourcing Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — IT Outsourcing Law (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- 2022

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 2000
Texas
Admitted: 2005

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