Burnette Shutt & McDaniel welcomes civil rights lawyer Stuart Andrews
From fighting to improve mental-health services in the South Carolina corrections system to battling to protect youth accused of crimes, civil rights lawyer Stuart Andrews has a long track record of working toward systemic reform.
And now he’s bringing his determination to spark change and his decades of legal experience to Burnette Shutt & McDaniel
“Stuart Andrews is one of the first names that comes to mind when we talk about moving law forward,” firm co-founder Malissa Burnette said. “He has the tenacity, determination, legal skills and experience in the big cases. We’re thrilled that he’s joined our team.”
Stuart has devoted decades to the fight for systemic reform through both legislation and litigation. As head of the legal services program responsible for advocating state legislative changes, he authored bills that enhanced legal protection for tenants and that, for the first time, recognized domestic violence as a separate crime in South Carolina.
His efforts in the court include lawsuits that forced the South Carolina Department of Corrections to improve mental-health services for incarcerated individuals. He was part of the legal team that sued on behalf of youth detained under unlawful conditions in the Charleston County Jail.
He’s dedicated to improving access to the courts, creating the state’s first structured pro bono program at a large regional law firm and chairing the Access to Justice Task Force appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
His volunteer work also reflects his dedication to systemic reform. A long-time board member of the ACLU of South Carolina, he currently serves as its chair. He’s also on the board of Turn90, a nonprofit that helps people transition after serving time in prison. He has previously chaired the boards of Appleseed Legal Justice Center and South Carolina Legal Services.
In addition to civil rights law, his practice at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel will include qui tam whistleblower actions and administrative law.