Malissa Burnette recognized in 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame
January 13, 2026
M. Malissa Burnette, a co-founder of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, has been named to the 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame. The annual list, compiled by Columbia Business Monthly, recognizes leaders in the Midlands.
Burnette has been included in three previous 50 Most Influential lists, including joint honors with firm co-founder Nekki Shutt for their work as part of the legal team that paved the way for marriage equality in South Carolina.
The annual 50 Most Influential lists recognize leaders who have made an impact in business, government, education, legal, economic development, and non-profit sectors in the Midlands. Hall of Fame selections honor people who have made lasting contributions.
Burnette’s illustrious legal career has included landmark civil rights cases. She, along with firm co-founder Kathleen McDaniel and attorney Grant Burnette LeFever, is part of the legal team that has spent years fighting for reproductive healthcare rights. They’ve relentlessly battled draconian South Carolina abortion laws in numerous lawsuits.
A South Carolina Supreme Court-certified specialist in employment law for decades, Burnette also represents clients in discrimination, equal pay, wrongful termination cases and more.
About Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA
Located in Columbia’s historic Vista district, Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA is a full-service civil rights law firm handling employment discrimination, Title IX student/education discrimination, election law, housing discrimination, federal lawsuits involving allegations such as excess force, and family law. The firm’s attorneys are licensed to practice in all South Carolina courts and at all levels of federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm also represents clients in employee benefits and ERISA matters and government matters such as eminent domain, land use, and zoning. Additionally, the firm represents LGBTQ+ clients in a range of issues, including family law and name and gender-marker changes. Learn more at burnetteshutt.law.
