Sheila Lou Shoemake

I became a criminal defense attorney to defend people’s rights, especially those provided by our Constitution. My father was an attorney in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and my grandfather served as a judge in Bryan county in Oklahoma. I held in high regard both my father’s and grandfather’s passion for helping others and admired their belief in faithfully protecting others’ rights. My father represented people from all backgrounds. I greatly admired his serving as an advocate for people facing prosecution from a powerful government. In addition to my higher education experience, I am a fluent Spanish speaker. I credit my aptitude in Spanish to my time living and working in Mexico. During this time, I engaged with the community to better understand Hispanic culture and the Spanish language. In Oklahoma, my Spanish fluency and cultural awareness has helped me better serve my clients. I started my legal career as a public defender. During this time, I handled hundreds of felony cases covering a vast array of charges. This position afforded me invaluable experience and demonstrated just how important it is for all persons to receive vigorous representation. Although constrained by limited time and resources, I fought hard to ensure that my clients’ rights were protected. Our legal system is only just when accused individuals are competently and zealously represented. I understand the stress that clients face when charges are brought against them and their very real concern on how a co