Malissa Burnette earns 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame status
What’s better than a three-peat? Hall of Fame honors. Congratulations to Burnette Shutt & McDaniel founding partner Malissa Burnette, who’s being recognized in Columbia Business Monthly’s 50 Most Influential 2025 Hall of Fame class.
This is the fourth time the annual special section has listed Malissa among the Midlands’ top leaders. She first was selected to the 50 Most Influential list as a co-honoree with firm co-founder Nekki Shutt in recognition of their work on litigation that led to marriage equality in South Carolina.
Malissa’s storied career as a civil rights attorney includes landmark cases that broke down barriers in South Carolina and the country. Her work includes lawsuits that allowed women to attend state-supported military academies and permitted girls to play contact sports in South Carolina public schools.
She continues to fight for the rights of others as part of the legal team, along with firm co-founder Kathleen McDaniel and attorney Grant Burnette LeFever, that’s spent seven years challenging draconian South Carolina abortion laws. Her civil rights practice also includes cases involving discrimination and constitutional rights.
Malissa is also a highly skilled employment lawyer who has represented clients in a wide range of issues, from Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints to litigation. Her work includes cases involving equal pay, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, academic and tenure issues, and more.
She’s received dozens of professional honors over the years, including consistent recognition in Best Lawyers in America® and South Carolina Super Lawyers.
Published yearly in January, the 50 Most Influential list recognizes Midlands leaders across a variety of sectors, including government, education, business, economic development, non-profits, and the law. Independent research into nominees and interviews with other community leaders determine the final selection.
The Hall of Fame lists recognize honorees who have made a lasting difference in the Midlands.