Ms Shalanda Marie Looney

About Ms Shalanda Marie Looney

<p>Elite litigator for 30 years in various disciplines such a criminal defense, juvenile law, family law, and civil litigation. She became a licensed attorney at the age of 23 in the State of Michigan after earning her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is admitted to practice in both state and federal courts and has maintained an unblemished disciplinary record, with no discipline or diversion by any State Bar. Attorney Looney&rsquo;s career includes extensive experience as a Public Defender, Judge Pro Tempore, court-appointed counsel, and Guardian ad Litem. She has represented clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, including serious violent offenses, as well as juvenile delinquency, dependency, severance, guardianship, and complex family law matters. Over the course of her career, she has conducted hundreds of trials and evidentiary hearings and thousands of court appearances, developing a deep understanding of courtroom administration, judicial decision-making, and the real-world impact of legal outcomes on individuals and families.</p> <p>Early in her legal training, Attorney Looney interned for Bryan Stevenson, the renowned criminal defense attorney and civil rights advocate, where she was intentionally molded and groomed to identify discrimination, challenge inequities embedded in legal systems, and recognize how race, power, and access intersect with the administration of justice. That formative experience continues to shape her analytical lens, advocacy style, and professional mission. Attorney Looney&rsquo;s current practice places increasing emphasis on civil rights litigation and advocacy, with a focus on race-based discrimination, disability rights, and sexual-orientation-based discrimination. Her commitment to this work is informed not only by decades of legal experience but also by personal lived experience with discrimination, giving her a heightened ability to recognize how discriminatory conduct can devastate individuals, derail careers, and create cascading, long-term consequences that extend well beyond the initial act. This perspective informs her approach with empathy, rigor, and an unwavering commitment to accountability under state and federal law.</p> <p>Attorney Looney is extremely selective in accepting clients, a practice grounded in her belief that effective representation requires deep trust, preparation, and personal investment. She forms highly devoted attorney&ndash;client relationships and commits fully to each matter she undertakes. She is generally accessible by cell phone and available evenings, weekends, holidays, and after hours, recognizing that legal issues do not arise on a schedule. Attorney Looney thoughtfully reviews inquiries and generally responds within <strong>48 hours</strong> when a matter is a good fit. If she is unable to accept a case and does not have an appropriate referral, she may not be able to respond. Please know that this is not personal, and your understanding is appreciated. She is known for her preparation, integrity, and principled advocacy, and remains deeply committed to access to justice, professional excellence, and the fair administration of the rule of law. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience and a neurodivergent perspective that values precision, rule compliance, and ethical clarity, she is especially attuned to identifying systemic inequities and ensuring accountability. Reaching out by phone, email, text, or other means does not by itself create an attorney&ndash;client relationship. During initial contact, please advise of any ADA reasonable accommodations needed, if any, so that she may assist.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

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Education

• Law School: Emory

Practice Areas

Notable Case Results

Office Location