Shawn was born in Thomasville, North Carolina, and he grew up in southern Davidson County.  He was raised in Silver Valley, attending
Silver Valley Elementary School, Denton Middle School, and South
Davidson High School.  He graduated from South Davidson High School, the completed his college work and law school at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was awarded Highest Honors and Distinction.

After law school, Shawn turned away numerous job offers to come back
to Davidson County and work in the District Attorney’s Office.  He
worked at the District Attorney’s Office until 2003, when he left to
join the firm of Barnes, Grimes & Bunce. The firm made Shawn a partner
a year later, and he continues to practice in civil and criminal court
for the firm.

Shawn is an active member of the Civitan, having served as President
of the Silver Valley Civitan.  He is certified in NHTSA DWI Detection
and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and in NHTSA Advanced Roadside
Impaired Driving Enforcement.  He is one of the lead attorneys for the
local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has served
multiple terms as President of the District Bar (within the NC State
Bar).

Shawn has been recognized as a man that supports and fights to help
those in need.  He is proud to call Davidson County home.