Florida’s ICA fights for consumers

Ricardo Lewis
Associate Editor

Sean Michael Shaw is not just another lawyer; he is a lawyer with a unique purpose. That purpose is not to make millions of dollars representing the rich in criminal cases or examining major company contracts, instead Shaw uses his skills to represent the public interest of millions of Floridians each day.

“I am an advocate, I think that word highlights the most important part of my job,” Shaw said. “I am here to represent the interest of those who don’t have as big of a voice as those on the other side.” Shaw was appointed by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, to lead the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate in November of 2008. Since then, Shaw has been hard at work making sure the insurance industry works in the best interest of Floridians.

Shaw is a 1997 graduate of Leon High School. He then went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University in 2000. Shaw then entered the prestigious Levin Law School at the University of Florida where he was conferred the degree of Juris Doctorate in 2003.

Being an advocate for others may be an inherited trait for Sean Shaw. His father Leander Shaw served as the first African-American Florida Supreme Court Justice, from 1990 until 1992. In what is arguably considered as the boldest move ever in the Supreme Court of Florida, Justice Shaw attached photos of the execution of Allen “Tiny” Davis to his dissention detesting the use of Florida’s electric chair.

“My father was always an inspiration to me. He always demanded that I give my all in everything that I do.” Sean Shaw said. “He was always a good resource for me and remains to this day a resource that I rely upon, whether I need law advice or life advice.”

After receiving his law degree Sean Shaw worked as a litigation/ appellate associate at Akerman Senterfitt Law Firm. He then went on to become an associate at Messer, Caparello, Self, P.A. Sean Shaw ran unsuccessfully for the Florida House of Representatives before being asked by the CFO to serve in the capacity of the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate.

“I think that one of the biggest assets that Sean brings to the office is his energy,” said Johnny Moore, who serves as deputy insurance consumer advocate. “His energy trickles down to the rest of the staff and creates an environment that is reflective of him. He knows how to allow the creative initiatives of his staff to flow freely but still maintain structure within the office.”

CFO Sink, recognized Sean Shaw’s potential and appointed him to the position for a different reason. She cited his passion as one of the major factors in appointing him to be the insurance consumer advocate. “Floridians have a passionate advocate in Sean Shaw as our insurance consumer advocate,” said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “Sean is committed to speaking out and defending Florida’s insurance consumers against insurance companies committing bad practices,” Sink said in a previous press release issued by her office.

Recently Shaw took that passion to Washington D.C. There he eloquently presented to Congress facts on how a proposed bill on reinsurance would adversely impact the citizens of Florida. In addition to his many duties as insurance consumer advocate, Sean Shaw serves on the boards of directors of several businesses throughout the Tallahassee area, including the Bond Community Health Center. He also finds time to tutor and mentor high school students at East Gadsden High School.