Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr., who co-heads the firm's Global Law and Public Policy practice, received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa, from The College of William & Mary during its Charter Day ceremony on February 7, 2020, for his "distinguished service to the nation." William & Mary's first honorary degree was bestowed upon Benjamin Franklin in 1756 with the intention of honoring "distinguished individuals who have devoted their careers to service to others." Ambassador Shannon, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, received his BA from William & Mary with high honors.
Ambassador Shannon brings more than three decades of government service and diplomatic experience to his practice, providing strategic counsel to clients across a range of legislative, foreign policy, and national security issues. Most recently, he served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the third highest-ranking position at the State Department.