Martin J. Shanahan, Jr. joined Spesia, Ayers & Ardaugh in 2001. Mr. Shanahan has been a resident of Will County for over 25 years and is a graduate from Lincoln-Way High School. He obtained his B.A. cum laude in Political Science from the College of St. Francis, and was the recipient of the Frank P. Weberg Award in Political Science, an award given to the top student in the department. Mr. Shanahan received his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School and gained experience working as a law clerk for a private law firm. After graduating from law school, Mr. Shanahan spent almost three years as an Assistant State's Attorney with the Will County State's Attorney Office. During his tenure as an Assistant State's Attorney, Mr. Shanahan actively prosecuted individuals in the Misdemeanor, Bond/Status, Aggravated Traffic, and Juvenile Division courtrooms.

Since joining the firm, he has become involved in municipal representation, as well as representing clients involved in personal injury accidents. Mr. Shanahan continues to teach the Trial Advocacy class at the University of St. Francis, and is the Mock Trial Team coach. He is also actively involved in the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce.