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.
