Burnette, Shutt honored as Columbia Lawyers of the Year
COLUMBIA, SC – For the fifth consecutive year, a Burnette Shutt & McDaniel attorney has received Columbia “Lawyer of the Year” honors in Best Lawyers in America.
In the 2020 edition, two employment lawyers earned top honors in the peer-reviewed publication: M. Malissa Burnette in Employment Law – Individuals and Nekki Shutt in Litigation – ERISA.
“These awards, based on the opinions of other attorneys working in Columbia, are a testament to the fine work Malissa and Nekki have done for years,” firm co-founder Kathleen McDaniel said. “More than that, though, they’re a reflection of one of the core values at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel: A dedication to battling for others. That fight is crucial when someone’s job or benefits are at risk.”
A South Carolina Supreme Court Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law for more than 25 years, Burnette has won five previous Columbia “Lawyer of the Year” awards. She’s been honored three times in Employment Law – Individuals. Her other awards are in Mediation and Litigation – Labor and Employment Law.
Also a certified employment law specialist, Shutt has won four consecutive Columbia “Lawyer of the Year” awards. Previous awards have come in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Employment Law – Individuals.
Overall, Shutt was recognized in six practice areas in this year’s Best Lawyers. Most were related to her work as an employment lawyer. She also was honored in Commercial Litigation.
Burnette received recognition in four practice areas, including Civil Rights Law and Mediation in addition to employment law.
Firm partner Janet Rhodes also received honors in two employment law practice areas.
About Lawyer of the Year Awards
Best Lawyers in America selects a single Lawyer of the Year in each practice area in each city. The honor goes to the attorney with the highest overall peer feedback during the overall Best Lawyers selection process.
Published annually since 1983, Best Lawyers is one of the oldest peer-reviewed guides to the legal profession. A companion piece, Best Law Firms in America, is published in November. Burnette Shutt & McDaniel has received Tier 1 ratings in every edition of Best Law Firms since the firm was founded.