Sean McFadden

Sean McFadden has spent much of his legal career doing something most attorneys never attempt: taking on the federal government on behalf of the people who work for it.

As Chair of Cantrell Schuette’s Federal Employee Rights Practice Group, Sean represents federal employees in complex discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower matters — navigating the layered procedural landscape of the EEOC, the Merit Systems Protection Board, federal district courts, and disciplinary appeals proceedings. It’s a niche that demands both deep statutory knowledge and hard-nosed litigation instincts, and Sean has spent well over a decade developing both.

Sean’s appellate work reflects the depth of his advocacy. He has drafted numerous appellate briefs in federal employee rights cases and has served as primary drafter of several petitions for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, including one in Babb v. Wilkie, a case that successfully clarified protections for federal workers in their favor. His practice has also extended to state-level proceedings — most recently, he represented a state employee in a matter under Florida’s Veterans’ Preference statute before the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, and again on appeal to the Florida Second District Court of Appeal.

Outside the office, Sean is a proud Florida Gator through and through — a product of a family of UF alumni who takes his college football, basketball, and baseball loyalties seriously. He stays active through cycling and camping and has a deep love for the outdoors. He also has a passion for music that goes well beyond casual listening: Sean plays several instruments and spent years as a member of the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps out of Bergenfield, New Jersey — one of the most decorated corps in the history of the activity. He was part of world championship ensembles in 1998 and 2000, earned silver in 2001, and bronze in 2002 and 2003, and served as Drum Major in his final season. That competitive, disciplined spirit has a way of showing up in the courtroom. His love of music has also taken him abroad — he has traveled internationally with Who’s Bad, a celebrated Michael Jackson tribute band.

Sean loves to cook, explore new restaurants, and travel. Mexico City holds a special place in his heart as a favorite destination. At home, he is the proud owner of two terriers, Toby and Frida.