Shawnnell T. Barnett

Counsel

Shawnnell Barnett is an experienced labor and employment attorney with extensive expertise in federal labor law, collective bargaining administration, employee relations and litigation. Before joining the firm, she served as a Trial Attorney in the Contempt, Compliance, and Special Litigation Branch (CCSLB) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), where she managed some of the agency’s most complex enforcement matters.

At the NLRB, Shawnnell litigated civil contempt proceedings in federal court to secure compliance with Board orders, including cases involving alter-ego liability, corporate veil piercing and asset dissipation. She obtained contempt rulings, negotiated compliance settlements and defended the agency in high-profile matters such as challenges to the Joint Employer Rule.

Earlier in her career, Shawnnell advised senior leadership across multiple government agencies—including the Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress, House and Senate Buildings, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and D.C. Department of Corrections—on collective bargaining, discipline, and workplace violence investigations. She participated in labor negotiations, drafted workplace policies and represented agencies in arbitrations, mediations and disciplinary appeals. She also served as interim EEO Officer at the D.C Department of Corrections. 

Education

• Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2015
• Hampton University, School of Journalism and Communication, 2007

Bar Admissions

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New York (Admission Pending)

Court Admissions

• United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia