Burnette Shutt & McDaniel officially celebrate opening
Colleagues, friends and family recently joined Burnette Shutt & McDaniel to mark the official opening of its Lady Street offices.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce CEO Carl Blackstone and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin were among the guests. Benjamin and firm co-founder Malissa Burnette cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Benjamin praised the attorneys as not just fantastic lawyers, but also as business women, social activists and intellectual leaders.
“It was important for me to be here, not just to cut the ribbon for this law firm, but also to show my support for the type of leadership that you represent,” he said.
Blackstone, who has four daughters, said the concept of the all-female firm is exciting. He praised the five attorneys for striking out on their own. “Taking that leap of faith and jumping out by yourself, I think it takes a little guts,” he added.
He also admired the firm’s remodeling at its offices at 912 Lady St., a historic location in Columbia’s Vista District. “This is an awesome space,” he said.
About Burnette Shutt & McDaniel
Malissa Burnette, Nekki Shutt, Kathleen McDaniel, Janet Rhodes and Jax Pavlicek make up Burnette Shutt & McDaniel. Though the firm is new, its three founders have worked together for nearly a decade. They’ve represented clients in landmark cases, and they’ve helped neighbors resolve disputes.
Three of the firm’s attorneys focus on employment law. Government law, including planning and permitting, also is an emphasis for the firm. One attorney is a privacy professional who helps business make sure their data-protection policies are sound. She also can assist in the event of a data breach.
All five attorneys have strong litigation skills.