Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Sheila Fix, a partner in the firm's Glendale, California, office, has been selected for the Los Angeles Business Journal's prestigious Woman of Influence in Construction, Engineering, and Architecture. The January 20, 2025 issue will feature Sheila among a distinguished group of women who had made significant contributions to their industries through significant expertise, leadership, and innovation.
Bringing decades of experience as a high impact trial attorney and a former active-duty judge advocate in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, Sheila focuses her legal practice on catastrophic injury, employment, construction, professional liability, and toxic tort litigation. She frequently handles complex actions involving sureties, including payment and performance bond claims, defaults on construction projects, and mechanics lien release binds. Her extensive construction law experience includes successfully litigating cases involving public works projects, residential construction, and landslide and subsidence claims.
In addition to her litigation success, Sheila regularly advises owners, builders ad contractors on risk management throughout all phases of the construction process, assists with drafting contracts, and ensures compliance with right-to-repair laws. She also provides workplace training on risk management and discrimination, as well as harassment awareness initiatives.
"This recognition underscores the extraordinary breadth and depth of Sheila Fix's accomplishments, both as an attorney and a leader," said founding partner Stephen Henning. "Her unique combination of legal skill, military service, and commitment to mentoring makes her a true force in the construction and engineering industries."
With a career including more than 75 cases tried- including 20 jury trials- Sheila is widely respected for her strategic counsel and results-driven approach. A Captain in the Navy Reserve JAG Corps, she has held several key leadership roles. Her military service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Judge Advocates Association's 2016 Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award, the Gilbert Cup, and the Rear Admiral Hugh H. Howell Award.
In addition to her legal practice, Sheila is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals. She regularly speaks at conferences, participates in community outreach programs, and champions initiatives aimed at fostering equity and inclusion.
"Being named a Woman of Influence is an honor that reflects not just my work, but the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and mentors throughout my career," said Sheila. "I am proud to represent the legal profession within the construction and engineering sectors and remain committed to fostering innovation, equity and excellence."
The Los Angeles Business Journal's January 20, 2025 issue is available on newsstands and online.
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