Symone D. Shinton, Esq.

Founding Partner

At the age of fourteen, Symone was sexually abused by an adult member of her local church in her hometown in Florida. Her abuser was imprisoned, and Symone experienced first-hand how the legal process can be its own separate trauma for survivors of sexual abuse. Navigating poverty with her single, immigrant mother, they were unaware that she had a legitimate lawsuit against the church until it was too late. This was not Symone’s first experience with the legal system. Before she started high school, Symone argued at her father’s criminal sentencing hearing. She understood then she was destined to become a lawyer.

Symone graduated valedictorian of her law school in Chicago, achieving academic awards wherever she directed her attention. Enticed by the financial security and intellectual challenge, Symone spent the first seven years of her career working for some of the largest and best corporate defense firms. In that era, Symone learned Fortune 500 companies from the inside out. She became an expert in how these entities protect themselves from high-stakes personal injury lawsuits nationwide. Symone was trusted by those companies to prepare, defend, and take dozens of depositions of C-Suite executives and corporate scientists. She managed teams of lawyers across the nation and collaborated with some of the nation’s best and largest law firms, including litigation that would go on to settle for $12.5 billion. Symone values the relationships and experiences she developed and brings her network and credibility into her current practice when negotiating with companies.

In 2023, Symone transitioned to representing survivors of sexual abuse, feeling called to use her talents to empower and educate disenfranchised individuals who have legitimate claims against companies. Symone has represented over 1,000 survivors of sexual abuse at her prior firm, participating in hundreds of millions of dollars of settlements for the firm’s clients. Symone’s practice concentrates on litigating against the institutions who negligently provide platforms for sexual predators.

In 2025, Symone founded her own law firm to fully devote her practice to holistically empowering survivors of sexual abuse on her own terms. Symone provides a bespoke approach tailored to the unique circumstances and traumas of each client, partnering with them to restore their sense of agency and control through taking legal action. Symone recognizes that the legal process can be its own source of trauma that deters many survivors from coming forward. Symone's survivors can expect transparent representation where they know what to expect and have the choice to actively or passively engage throughout representation. Symone views herself as a translator and a megaphone, but it is always the survivor who is speaking.

Awards & Recognition

  • Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers® (2020-2025)

  • Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers (2025)

  • Speaker, Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts (Cabo, 2023)

  • Chicago Kent College of Law Outstanding Pro Bono Alumni Award (2019)

  • Best Advocate—Stetson Law National Pretrial Competition (2015)

  • Ilana Diamond Rovner Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy (2016)

  • CALI Awards for receiving the highest grade in the class: Torts, Products Liability, Trial Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Appellate Advocacy, Legislation, Supreme Court Review, Law Literature & Feminism, International Trade Law

Meet the Team

  • Aoife Mulvihill

    PARALEGAL

    Aoife has been fortunate enough to work with thousands of survivors of sexual abuse. She has served as the primary point of contact for thousands of survivors –providing support, leading them to psychiatric services, and serving as a listening ear to guide each survivor through the various steps of their case. Aoife strives to build a meaningful, trusting connection with every survivor she has the privilege of working with and deeply values every relationship she has formed.

    Growing up the daughter of a plaintiff’s asbestos attorney, Aoife learned the importance of standing up for those who don’t have a voice from a very young age. Aoife has always known she wanted to be an attorney, but it was through personal experiences, stories shared with her, and being raised in the Catholic Church, that Aoife decided advocating for survivors of sexual abuse was her path and her passion.

    Aoife is currently a 2L at Chicago-Kent College of Law. There, she is a member of the selective Trial Advocacy Team where she builds and hones her litigation skills in preparation for her future work as an attorney. Outside of work and school, Aoife enjoys playing tennis, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family, friends, and miniature dachshund, Kerrygold.

  • Alexia Amerson Joyner

    HEAD OF MARKETING

    Alexia is a results-driven marketing strategist with a proven track record of delivering sustainable growth and growth for brands. Her expertise spans above-the-line marketing strategies, conversion tactics, and brand positioning that transform emerging businesses into household names with strong communities.

    Her strategic marketing initiatives have supported career development programs, scholarships, and community initiatives across the United States. She excels at enhancing brand visibility through cultural relevance, philanthropic efforts, and introducing innovations that establish a strong presence in both new and existing markets.

    Alexia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership from the University of Mississippi, where she was inducted into Who's Who in 2013. She also earned an MBA from the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Communications and Advertising from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

The Survivors’ Lawyer

The nation’s choice for ethically empowering survivors of sexual abuse through transparent representation rooted in integrity.

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