Celebrating Black History Month: Employee Spotlight - Shawnette Fluitt
In honor of Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to American history, as well as recognize their present-day achievements.
As a Partner at Barry McTiernan & Moore, Shawnette Fluitt manages the toxic tort/environmental practice. Ms. Fluitt is involved in every aspect of a case from initial discovery to depositions, trial preparation, and trial. Ms. Fluitt’s practice focuses on high-value wrongful death and personal injury cases for small and large companies, third-party administrators, insurers, and reinsurers. In addition, Ms. Fluitt’s experience includes arguing motions in state and federal courts as well as chairing and second-chairing several cases to verdicts. Ms. Fluitt sits as a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Additionally, she is an incredible mentor to her paralegal staff and junior associates, ensuring that everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed.
Q: Provide an overview of your tenure at BMM and your growth as an attorney.
R: I graduated from law school in 2002 and worked for a business immigration firm and then a personal injury firm. However, it wasn’t until I started working at BMM in 2007 that I found a true love for litigation. I enjoy putting the pieces of the “puzzle” together to find evidence to defend cases. I enjoy collaborating with my team and brainstorming ideas on different ways to handle cases or different avenues of investigation.
Q: Who is a person in black history that inspired you?
R: There isn’t one person. There are so many people in history that have inspired me that I could not name just one. I am inspired by the actions that they have taken to move a cause forward, to implement change, and to give voice to the unheard.
Q: How has being a black woman influenced your career in the legal field?
R: It is a rarity to be in the position that I am in. Less than 1% of partners at US law firms are Black women. It is also not something that I take lightly. Diversity and Inclusion are important to me as well as to my firm and we are taking steps to make sure that our landscape is far reaching and diverse.
Q: What advice would you have given yourself at the start of your career?
R: I would tell myself to not be afraid to be proud of yourself. You have worked hard and deserve success. Imposter Syndrome is a real thing.
Q: A favorite mantra or quote.
R: Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X – I relate to this quote being the first person in my family to graduate from college, let alone an advanced degree. I have tried to push and encourage those who have come after me to go as far as they can in their educational pursuits because I genuinely believe in the importance of education to young people, especially black people.