When complex, high-stakes disputes demand courtroom precision and steady leadership, clients turn to Los Angeles partner Sheila Fix. Wood, Smith, Henning and Berman is proud to announce her well-deserved recognition in the Los Angeles Business Journal's Women of Influence: Construction, Engineering, and Architecture.
She is featured in the January 19th issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal, as part of its annual Women of Influence program. The program recognizes exceptional women across a wide range of industries and professional disciplines, including law, real estate, healthcare, finance, technology, and construction. Each category highlights leaders who demonstrate professional excellence, industry impact, and a record of leadership with their organizations and communities.
The Women of Influence: Construction, Engineering, and Architecture distinction specifically honors women whose work is shaping the field through innovation, leadership, and results in industries that remain among the most complex and traditionally male-dominated.
A seasoned trial lawyer, she brings unmatched courtroom experience and strategic rigor to the defense of clients facing complex, high-exposure litigation. She has tried more than 75 cases, including 20 jury trials, earning a reputation for results, decisive leadership, and unflappable advocacy. Her practice spans catastrophic injury, toxic tort, habitability, construction, professional liability, transportation, and employment matters.
Her construction practice includes commercial and residential projects, public works, and geotechnical claims involving landslides and subsidence. She also maintains an active employment practice, defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour violations, as well as professional liability practice representing realtors, home inspectors, architects and other professionals in negligence and fraud matters. Across all practice areas, her approach combines meticulous preparation with practical, business-minded solutions that protect client interests both inside and outside the courtroom.
"This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects work done alongside incredible clients and colleagues in industries where precision, collaboration, and trust are essential," Fix said. "Advocating for clients in complex construction and professional liability matters requires both disciplined trial strategy and a deep understanding of technical issues and the challenges faced by the industry."
Firm leadership praised her impact and influence.
"Sheila exemplifies what it means to be a leader in high exposure litigation," said Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "Her courtroom skill, strategic insight, and ability to navigate the intersection of law, engineering, and construction set her apart. This recognition is well deserved."
Before entering private practice, Fix served an active duty in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps and continued her service in the Navy Reserve JAG Corps, retiring with the rank of Captain. Her distinguished military career include leadership roles such as Reserve Deputy Inspector General, Deputy Force Judge Advocate, and Staff Judge Advocate for multiple commands. She has received numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit and Judge Advocates Association Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award.
This recognition reflects her lasting impact on the construction, engineering, and architecture sectors, as well as her leadership in the legal profession as a whole.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.