EPISODE #2.3: The Heart of Law with Shelby Walton
If our previous guest had youth and sagacity on his side, wait till Mirena introduces us to Shelby Walton. Sharp as a tack, the gifted trial lawyer is indeed in a league of her own. We encounter an impressive, young prodigy who the Florida Defender calls “a rising star in the world of Florida litigation.” The moment our captivating host engages her, we recognize the young lady’s adamantine drive, nimble wit, focused calm, and acute mind. As they go into the deep dive and learn about her story, Mirena is right. Shelby is an “effective public speaker” and “has wisdom beyond her years.” She has an effortlessness about her that we have the privilege to enjoy. When we hear how much she has achieved at such a nascent age, Shelby has obviously broken through many socio-cultural barriers, but remarkably appears unfazed by any obstacle she has had to overcome. Being a woman, being black, and being young does not seem to daunt or rattle her in any way. Nothing is contrived about her; Shelby’s composure is light and temperate. No wonder she runs toe-to-toe with the heroes at The Haggard Law Firm.
Shelby’s previous work at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office taught her to connect deeply with her clients. Engaging them in the profound aspects of their lives energizes and motivates her. To her, client trust anchors the success of any defense: ” … To really be able to encapsulate somebody's experience into a closing statement, or to effectively persuade a jury … you can't do that unless you truly understand your client. And your client won't really give you the opportunity to do that to your fullest unless they trust you … So those first conversations, one of the biggest lessons that I took from the public defender's office, was client trust.” At the apex of their conversation, Mirena and Shelby discuss women and minority women in the legal profession. Shelby acknowledges that perhaps there aren’t enough women in law compared to men. However, she does emphasize how “environment is important.” A law firm has to intentionally provide a space where minority women—or any woman for that matter—can thrive as a lawyer “... think about what you are providing this person,” she says. She knows it is rare, but she speaks from the exceptional reception at The Haggard Law Firm. The guys she works with have given her a “phenomenal” space to hone her craft, to thrive, and to excel. She says of Managing Partner, Michael Haggard: “He has just taken me in and given me a voice and given me a platform [to speak].” Despite working as the only black woman—the only woman—at their practice, she has felt wholeheartedly accepted and received by everyone at the Haggard firm. “It's a gift” she enjoys. They chat about the status quo, the Impostor Syndrome, podcasting, and just living life as a woman. All in all, we do agree with Mirena in her observation. Shelby is “part of that revolution,” it won’t be a stretch to say she rides the tip of that spear—even if she appears so unself-conscious about it. Shelby makes immense waves in the legal system just by being herself. And what an outstanding self that is.
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