Charlene S. Shimada

In addition, Chuck has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and Super Lawyers. Chambers USA highlights Chuck's “notable strengths acting for underwriters defending significant securities class actions, alongside wider strengths advising individual and corporate clients in litigation and regulatory investigations.” Chambers USA also notes that clients describe her as a “terrific” securities litigator and a “go-to person that gets great results.” Chambers USA reports a client as saying that Chuck is “a very responsive and very smart lawyer. She knows how to navigate complex matters and is very client-oriented,” and, from another client: “She knows the answers, knows the courts very well and is an excellent attorney to have in your corner."  

A pioneer in the legal profession, Chuck was the first Asian Pacific American woman partner in a major San Francisco law firm. She was also the first woman litigation partner, as well as the first woman of color partner, at a premier California firm known for its elite litigation practice. She served as the office managing partner of the firm’s San Francisco headquarters, one of the first women of color to hold that position in any major US law firm. She also served as the co-office managing partner of the San Francisco office of another international law firm.

In addition to her legal practice, Chuck is active in professional and civic affairs. She served as a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s board of directors, co-chair of the Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representatives Committee, and president of the Berkeley Law Alumni Association. 

Throughout her legal career, Chuck has fought for women’s rights. She was a founding member of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s No Glass Ceiling Task Force, which since 2001 has been helping participating firms increase both the number of women partners and their leadership opportunities. She also co-founded Women In Securities (WISe), a network for women securities litigators that seeks to promote their development and advancement. She is a leader of the Northern California chapter of the global women’s organization Women In Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF), a member of the Women Attorneys Advocacy Project, and an Advisory Committee member of the Women in Securities Litigation Network.

In 2012, Chuck was recognized as one of The Recorder’s Women Leaders in Law. That same year she received an award in honor of her “25 years of vision and leadership” from the Asian American Bar Association.

Before entering private practice, Chuck served as a law clerk to Judge Martin Pence of the US District Court for the District of Hawaii. She is admitted to practice in California and Hawaii.