Shannon Polvi’s legal career focuses on advocating for employees in South Carolina. Shannon is an experienced trial attorney in state and federal courts in South Carolina.

Shannon focuses on client needs throughout the litigation process. Although prepared to successfully present her client’s case to a jury, Shannon is very aware of the high cost and risks of employment litigation. Shannon likes to explore the possibility of an early, cost-effective resolution of the dispute on terms favorable to the client. As such, she has earned a reputation as a proactive litigator who provides high quality, responsive, and conscientious representation for her clients.

Her practice focuses on the employee/plaintiff side of employment and labor law with various employment cases brought before federal, state, administrative, and appellate courts. Shannon represents individuals in discharge, wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, medical leave, whistleblower, and denial of benefits litigation (ERISA). Shannon also works with clients on claims pending before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, State Employee Grievance Committee, Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, State Ethics Commission, Department of Education, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Merit Systems Protection Board, and Office of Inspector General. 

Within the scope of her practice, Shannon advises employees on severance agreements, employment contracts, and retirement and benefit issues. Shannon regularly assists physicians and other professionals with employment contracts, contract modifications, and contract disputes. She also represents professors with tenure denials, grievances, and employment disputes. 

Shannon is admitted to practice law in South Carolina, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Shannon has had oral arguments before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Shannon worked with the National Women’s Law Center to help advocate for women facing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. One of Shannon’s cases was used in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This bill prohibits employment practices that discriminate against making reasonable accommodations for qualified employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. 

Shannon is an active member of the South Carolina Association for Justice, South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, and Legal Network for Gender Equity.

Shannon sets aside time for volunteerism. Shannon is a member of the Richland County Bar Association’s Public Service Committee, and she regularly volunteers at Transitions Homeless Center, where she provides pro bono assistance to homeless men and women in the Midlands region. 

Prior to her employment with CB&P, Shannon clerked at the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and Mabry Law Firm, LLC. She earned her B.A. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her J.D. from the University of South Carolina. Before attending the University of South Carolina School of Law, Shannon worked in Target retail stores for two years as an Executive Team Leader, and she was a volunteer teacher in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In her personal time, Shannon travels the world, attends church, and spends quality time with family and friends.

• South Carolina State Courts
• United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Memberships

• American Bar Association
• South Carolina Bar Association 
• Richland County Bar Association
• South Carolina Women Lawyers Association
• South Carolina Pro Bono Board

Awards

Education 
Juris Doctor – University of South Carolina School of Law, 2014

• USC School of Law Mock Trial Bar, 4 competitions in SC, NC, TX, and VA
• Pro Bono Board, Member
• John Belton O’Neall Chapter of the American Inns of Court, Student Member
• Women in Law, Member

Bachelor of Arts – University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2009

Civic and Charitable Involvement 
Homeless Experience Legal Protection Clinic 
Ask a Lawyer Program 
Rural Justice Project