Attorney Carlissa A. Shaw is the Founder and Managing Attorney of The Case Firm, a Memphis-based law firm focused on criminal defense, anti-blight litigation, public policy, and community impact litigation. A native Memphian, Shaw has dedicated her career to advocacy, public service, and strengthening communities across Shelby County.
Shaw attended Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2009. She later returned to Memphis to attend University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, graduating in 2012 with her Juris Doctor. Shaw has been a licensed attorney in the State of Tennessee since 2012.
Throughout her legal career, Shaw has worked at the intersection of law, government, and community development. Her public service experience includes work involving Memphis Area Legal Services, the Shelby County Attorney’s Office, Shelby County Environmental Court, anti-blight litigation strategy for the City of Memphis, neighborhood stabilization efforts, and municipal legal matters. She has represented individuals, businesses, and governmental entities while building a reputation as a strategic and solutions-oriented attorney focused on accountability, public safety, and equitable access to justice.
As a trial attorney, Shaw has extensive courtroom experience handling both criminal and civil matters, including criminal defense, public nuisance litigation, and complex community impact cases. Her practice has included jury trials, motion litigation, evidentiary hearings, and high-profile matters involving public safety and neighborhood revitalization.
In addition to her legal practice, Shaw has remained actively engaged in civic and professional leadership throughout Memphis. She is a former President of the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association and currently serves on the boards of Libertas School of Memphis and The Hospitality Hub.
Shaw was appointed to the Shelby County Election Commission in 2026. She is also the proud mother of an amazing daughter and remains committed to creating stronger institutions and opportunities for future generations. She brings to the Commission a commitment to integrity, transparency, civic engagement, and public trust in the electoral process.
