M. Malissa Burnette

M. Malissa Burnette, ADR Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Civil Rights, and Education · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratBurnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

Columbia, SC

Practicing adr in Columbia since 1977.

49+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

M. Malissa Burnette is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Civil Rights, and Education. M. has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Columbia, SC
Experience
over 49 years
Known for
ADR · Civil Rights · Education
  • Handles ADR, Civil Rights, and Education matters from Columbia, SC.
  • Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About M. Malissa Burnette: M. Malissa Burnette is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Civil Rights, and Education. M. has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by M. Malissa Burnette

M. concentrates on adr, civil rights, education, employment, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case M. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Columbia, South Carolina

M. takes adr matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Columbia, South Carolina

M. takes civil rights matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Columbia, South Carolina

M. takes education matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Columbia, South Carolina

M. takes employment matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Columbia, South Carolina

M. takes family law matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before M. agrees to represent you.

Biography

About M. Malissa Burnette — Over 49 years of South Carolina adr experience

M. Malissa Burnette is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Civil Rights, and Education. M. has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

A certified specialist in South Carolina employment law since 1993, Malissa has a long history of fighting for social justice in cases that change lives. These include litigation that paved the way for women to attend state-supported military schools and that allowed girls to play contact sports in South Carolina. She and Nekki Shutt, another of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel’s founding partners, were lead counsel in the case that made same-sex marriage legal in South Carolina.

In addition to an employment law practice that includes sexual harassment, civil rights and discrimination cases, Malissa also practices family law and personal injury law. Additionally, she’s a certified federal mediator and experienced arbitrator.

Recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Lawyer Award for the Employment and Labor Law Section. Selected for, Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, 2005-2016. Co-Author and Editor, Labor and Employment Law for South Carolina Lawyers, South Carolina Bar, 1999, 2nd Edition, 2004, 3rd Edition, 2007 and 4th Edition, 2011. Deputy Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, 1979-1982. Chairperson, South Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Board, 1984-1990. Chairperson, Columbia College Board of Visitors, 1988-1992. President, Belin Board of Trustees, 1995-1996. Chairperson, Greater Columbia Community Relations Council, 1995-1996. Chair, The Governor's Domestic Violence Task Force, 2000-2001. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, Trustee Advisory Council, 2001-; S.C. Equality Board of Directors, 2009-; S.C. Victims Assistance Network, Board of Directors, 2011-2015; Washington Street United Methodist Church, Dawsey Class Sunday School Teacher, 1980-, Finance Committee, 2009-2012. Certified Specialist, Employment and Labor Law, The Supreme Court of South Carolina. Certified United States District Court Mediator.

M.'s approach to adr cases

A certified specialist in South Carolina employment law since 1993, Malissa has a long history of fighting for social justice in cases that change lives. These include litigation that paved the way for women to attend state-supported military schools and that allowed girls to play contact sports in South Carolina. She and Nekki Shutt, another of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel’s founding partners, were…

The kind of cases M. takes

M. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, civil rights, and education matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

M. Malissa Burnette's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of South Carolina

    J.D. · 1977

  • University of South Carolina

    B.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

M.'s state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1978 · ACTIVE

  • South Carolina

    1977 · ACTIVE

M. studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in University of South Carolina.

Law school and academic background

M. completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice M. runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of M. Malissa Burnette

M. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

M.'s professional memberships and bar associations

  • Richland County Bar Association Chair, Senior Lawyers Division, 2015, South Carolina Bar

    Member, Resolution of Fee Disputes Committee, 1985-1990, 2005- Member, 1997-1999 and Chair, 1999-2001, Judicial Qualifications Committee Chair, Quality of Life Committee, 1994) The Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Member, Executive Committee, Empl · membership

Locations

M. Malissa Burnette's office in Columbia

M.'s primary office is at 912 Lady Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC, 29202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

912 Lady Street, Second Floor

Columbia, SC 29202

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Client feedback

Client reviews of M. Malissa Burnette — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of M.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Columbia.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once M. Malissa Burnette claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire M. Malissa Burnette — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with M. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

M. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; M. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for M.

M. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. M. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

M.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about M. Malissa Burnette

  • How much does it cost to hire M. for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. M. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does M. offer a free consultation?

    M. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check M.'s current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in South Carolina typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. M. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can M. take my case if I'm outside Columbia?

    M. is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — M. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with M.?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. M. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is M. accepting new adr clients right now?

    M.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina

M. handles adr matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If M.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.