Shannon K. Burnett
I have always wanted to be a lawyer. No ifs, ands, or buts. Helping people understand the intricacies of family law as it affects their finances, businesses, and family is important to me.
I graduated early from high school and became a school teacher in Medellin, Colombia in South American before I decided to go to college. I then graduated from the University of Kentucky with honors. I have worked internationally for a large software corporation. I later graduated from the University of South Carolina, School of Law.
I began my career as a lawyer for the same software corporation headquartered in the midlands of South Carolina. As a member of the international team of lawyers, I was an in house transactional attorney for what was then Policy Management Services Corporation (now Computer Science Corporation). After a total of eight years working for them, I decided to open my own practice that focused on Family Law.
Our practice offers an alternative to traditional litigation called Collaborative Law, which is a team approach to resolution that resolves disputes with dignity and respect. In addition, I am a board member for the SC Collaborative Law Institute and am the managing member of the Columbia Collaborative Law Center. I am an active member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). I have Collaborative Training certification through the Collaborative Law Training Associates. I have been trained to train other collaborative professionals through the IACP. I am a founding member and leader of the Columbia Network for Collaborative Professionals. I have taken many classes and seminars specific to children’s issues in family court, including sexual abuse and trauma. I have a background in dealing with corporate and self-owned business issues in divorce. I understand the need to protect the assets that support the family and the implications of the divisions of the assets and the publication of the financials.
In 2010, I was joined by attorney Heather M. Cairns who focuses her practice to the areas of real estate, estate planning, probate administration and advance directives. Together, our practice offers clients a diverse range of services that can help them navigate complex situations that involve families, children, property and more.
But there’s more to me than a love of the law.I am an accomplished equestrian and competitive dressage judge for South Carolina. I have first-hand experience in the complicated process of blending families and households but now happily reside on a farm with my awesome husband, enjoying my goddaughter, my step-children and a bevy of animals a few of whom work in the office with me most days.
I am a firm believer that I can help my clients navigate very difficult and emotional phases of life. I am currently writing a book with colleague and marital counselor Samer Touma, Ph D, which will help those struggling with divorce.
Most of all, I want you to know I am on your side. My goal for my clients is to help them transition from the pain of dispute to a fuller; more enriching next chapter in their life.