James B. Sheehy

For over 30 years, Jim has fought for families, representing injured and disadvantaged people throughout Minnesota. As a senior partner at Meshbesher & Spence, Jim exclusively helps victims of personal injury and families in cases involving wrongful death.

Lawyers and judges recognize Jim as one of the top trial lawyers in Minnesota, giving him the highest ratings for legal ability and ethical standards. Jim earned his preeminent reputation through decades of hard work in the trenches—in courts, in trials, and with dedicated advocacy for his clients. Hard work, integrity, and ethics are the foundation of his approach to each client’s cause.

Jim’s legal training began with the highest standards. After he graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School, with honors, Jim worked for Justice John E. Simonett, Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, before embarking on his career in trial work. Jim rose to the upper echelons of legal practice, joining a top firm after his Supreme court clerkship, and then bringing his well-honed advocacy to his own practice for over 17 years before joining Meshbesher & Spence.

Although Jim excelled in the upper reaches of the legal profession, he has never forgot his humble beginnings as the youngest of eight children raised by their mother. Jim’s brother, John, a managing partner at Meshbesher & Spence before his untimely passing in 2013, showed Jim that through hard work and perseverance, great things can be accomplished in life, and law. Overcoming adversity is part of Jim’s roots, and is intertwined in his advocacy for you. Jim fights for the underdog because he, too, was an underdog.

Jim is friendly, smart, and thorough. He will guide you through the maze of your personal injury case, explaining of the intricacies of liability, damages, and insurance. He will advocate tirelessly for you, taking all steps needed to protect your rights and get the best result possible.
Jim’s hard work has resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars for his clients, securing compensation for serious personal injuries including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Complicated fractures requiring surgery
• Severe dog bites
• Burns
• Soft-tissue injuries

Clients agree that Jim’s results and overall service are excellent, and here’s what they have to say:
“I highly recommend Jim Sheehy at Meshbesher & Spence. Jim helped me through every step of the way. He wants what's best for his clients and will fight for you. He always answered all my questions and made sure I understood everything.”

“Jim was very responsive and helpful throughout the whole process. I was very pleased with my experience and thankful for the almost instant communication and answers to my questions. I was well represented by James Sheehy.”

“Once again, thank you so much for your help with [my son’s] case. We are incredibly grateful for your expertise, personal care and kindness. We count ourselves lucky to have met you.”

The founder of Meshbesher & Spence, Ron Meshbesher, chose Jim to keep his Minnesota Trial Handbook for Minnesota Lawyers, up to date. Although Ron, one of the greatest trial lawyers in state history, passed away in 2018, Jim keeps Ron’s handbook for trial attorneys alive with yearly updates. Jim enjoys the intellectual aspects of the law and is honored to keep updating Ron’s book.

Outside of the work, Jim has a busy personal life. He coached his three boys in ice hockey and baseball for over 20 years. Although he has retired from coaching, Jim still enjoys sports from the stands. As a coach, Jim’s message to the players was “Effort Wins,” an outlook for his law practice, too. Jim grew up playing hockey in St. Louis Park—a true “rink rat” with a passion for the game born on the pond. He was an all-conference high school hockey player, played in college and the United States Hockey League. Jim is a member of the Hennepin County hockey club and plays in the annual Barristers Cup Tournament. In the warmer Minnesota months, Jim enjoys golf with his boys, and fishing trips in northern Minnesota with his family. Jim is also a singer/songwriter and plays guitar, piano, bass and records his music to share with others.