Episode #2.3: Shelby Walton in The Heart of Law

Written By Caryl Veloso

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, we can't help but admire her. 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.

EPISODE SURVEY:

  • [00:01:41]- [00:13:12] The Genesis of a Budding Career

  • [00:15:40]- [00:24:20] Priming the Pump

  • [00:35:07] - [00:44:38] Women Working in Law

  • [00:50:38] - [00:54:36] Shelby Has Them Too

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

  • “ I think that the most important thing is the first conversation that you have with your client. Every time … whether it [is in] criminal or here in civil, because what primes you for trial is your relationship with your client … When you know your client’s story, and you feel their story, and you feel their pain, and you understand their life … everything else falls in line. “

  • “ The most vital part of prepping yourself for the trial is that first conversation. “

  • “ Something that law firms need to wrap their minds around more is: Client relationships are everything. “

  • “ My clients become a part of me. “

  • “ If you've never felt what it's like to be an outsider or to be “otherized”—it's a disadvantage … it's a disadvantage because there is a line, and unless you've ever lived on the other side of that line, you really can't understand what that's like. You can’t empathize. You truly can’t understand … the true kind of complexities and the nuances of not being the ‘It Guy.’ “

  • “ Getting to the real, real emotion of what we go through and how we think about ourselves, and our practice doesn't happen enough … I think it's refreshing and important for people to know that it's a journey. It's difficult. We’re all going through it. And the more that we can … understand it and see it within ourselves and communicate with each other about it—at least for my generation, hopefully—it leads to a better and brighter legal profession. “

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Caryl Veloso
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Episode #2.4: David Selby & Todd Mathews in The Heart of Law
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Episode #2.2: Brent Wisner in The Heart of Law