Charles Shields

Astute attorney, die-hard Gators fan, vodka aficionado, fantasy football genius and a sports-car enthusiast, Charles Shields died unexpectedly Oct. 18.

Known as Chuck, Shields, 43, of Fort Lauderdale, was a law partner at Duane Morris LLP in Boca Raton, president of the Broward County Estate Planning Council and a board member with Our Fund Foundation, the country’s sixth largest LGBT fundraiser.

“His clients loved him,” said Driscoll Ugarte, a fellow lawyer at Duane Morris. “Having to talk with his clients now and hear how much they were personally affected by his passing surprised me … I think that was a testament to how comfortable he made them feel and also how much he cared about his clients.” …

“He was an exceptionally bright person with a fun-loving type of personality that drew people in to trust him,” said Shields’ partner of nine years, Thomas Keenan. “When he had clients, he not only became their lawyer, he also befriended them.”

“There’s a lot to miss,” Ugarte said. “From a professional perspective, I will miss having his counsel … I looked up to him as an older brother. And then as far as missing him from a personal standpoint, I will miss the camaraderie.” …

Born and raised in Scotch Plains, N.J., Shields moved to Pompano Beach to live with his grandparents so that he could attend the University of Florida. There he earned three degrees with honors: undergraduate, law and taxation.

Shields is survived by Keenan, and his mother, Gloria Shields, of Pompano Beach. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

To read the full story, visit the Sun Sentinel website.