Janet E. Rhodes

Janet E. Rhodes, Civil Rights Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts · 4.8/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

Of CounselatBurnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

Columbia, SC

Practicing civil rights in Columbia since 2008.

18+
Years practicing
4.8 ★
13 client reviews
1
Bar admission

Are you Janet E. Rhodes?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Janet E. Rhodes is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Janet has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Based in
Columbia, SC
Experience
over 18 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Employment · Employment Contracts
  • Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts matters from Columbia, SC.
  • Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Janet E. Rhodes: Janet E. Rhodes is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Janet has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Janet takes on

Janet concentrates on civil rights, employment, employment contracts, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Janet handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Janet takes civil rights matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janet agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Janet takes employment matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janet agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Janet takes employment contracts matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janet agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Janet takes family law matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janet agrees to represent you.

General cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Janet takes general matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janet agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Janet E. Rhodes — civil rights lawyer in Columbia

Janet E. Rhodes is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Janet has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Rhodes' practice focuses on employment law where she represents both employees and employers in a variety of matters. She has represented clients in matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and equal pay. She has represented employees and employers who have employment contract disputes, including non-compete agreements. Rhodes has litigated matters involving the Family Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Rhodes has extensive experience drafting employment agreements, non-compete agreements, independent contractor agreements, and severance agreements. For employers, she offers an in-depth employment practices audit ensuring employers are in compliance with the law with regards to matters such as statutorily mandated terms of employment and postings; she also drafts handbooks meant to serve as a first line of defense for employers with employee disputes.

Rhodes is a native of Ninety Six, SC located in Greenwood County. She graduated magna cum laude from Wofford College with a BA in Government. In undergrad, Rhodes enjoyed the arts and sang in three choral ensembles. She also excelled in sports, achieving NCAA Division I All-Conference honors for the javelin in her junior and senior years.

After her time at Wofford, Janet studied at the Charleston School of Law. After completing her Juris Doctor there, she clerked for the Hon. J. Ernest Kinard, Fifth Circuit Court. She also was a summer intern with the Hon. Henry F. Floyd, who at that time, was a U.S. District Court judge. He now serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth District.

In her spare time, Rhodes participated in several seasons for the Sandlapper Singers. She serves on the Board of the Trustus Theatre in the role of Personnel Committee Chair. Rhodes also serves in the role of Secretary for the SC Bar Employment and Labor Law Section. Rhodes lives, works, and plays in the Vista and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Awards & Recognition

• "Legal Elite of the Midlands" 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021 by Columbia Business Monthly in Labor and Employment Law 2021

• Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor and Employment Law, 2018-2021; Employment Law – Individuals

• South Carolina Super Lawyers, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff, 2020-2021

• South Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2014-18

• Leadership in Law Award, presented by Lawyer's Weekly, 2020

Professional Organizations & Community Involvement

• Richland County Bar

• SC Bar Employment and Labor Law Section

• South Carolina Women Lawyers Association

• Trustus Theatre Board

Working with Janet on a civil rights matter

Rhodes' practice focuses on employment law where she represents both employees and employers in a variety of matters. She has represented clients in matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and equal pay. She has represented employees and employers who have employment contract disputes, including non-compete agreements. Rhodes has litigated matters involving the…

Who Janet represents

Janet reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and employment contracts matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Charleston School of Law

    J.D. · 2008

  • Wofford College

    B.A. Government · 2005

Jurisdictions

Janet's state bar admissions

  • South Carolina Unite

    2008 · ACTIVE

Janet studied at J.D. in Charleston School of Law and B.A. Government in Wofford College.

Law school and academic background

Janet completed J.D. in Charleston School of Law and B.A. Government in Wofford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Janet runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Janet has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Janet's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Richland County Bar SC Bar Employment and Labor Law Section South Carolina Women Lawyers Association

    membership

Locations

Janet E. Rhodes's office in Columbia

Janet's primary office is at 912 Lady Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC, 29202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

912 Lady Street, Second Floor

Columbia, SC 29202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Janet E. Rhodes — 4.8/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Janet. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Columbia.

4.8

13 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Janet E. Rhodes claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Janet E. Rhodes — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Janet usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Janet charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janet's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Janet will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Janet

Janet discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Janet confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Janet's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Janet E. Rhodes

  • How much does it cost to hire Janet for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Janet walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Janet offer a free consultation?

    Janet charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janet's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Janet's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in South Carolina typically take?

    Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Janet gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Janet take my case if I'm outside Columbia?

    Janet is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Janet will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Janet?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Janet will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Janet accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    Janet's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina

Janet handles civil rights matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Janet's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.