2023
Co-Managing Partner
INTERNATIONAL
She’s dedicated to listening to people and using her legal skills to improve people’s lives
Education: JD, North Carolina Central University School of Law; BA, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, magna cum laude Company Name: Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP Industry: Law Company CEO: David Sanford Company Headquarters Location: Washington, DC Number of Employees: 100 Your Location: Washington, DC and Baltimore Offices Words you live by: Begin each day with gratitude. Who is your personal hero? Harriet Tubman What book are you reading? Words From a Wanderer by Alexandra Elle What was your first job? Television news media desk editor Favorite charity: The Royalty Project
Purpose ignites my professional passion. I have always been clear that my purpose will be the constant anchor to how I devote my time. I dedicate a substantial amount of my autonomous time to my career. Therefore, it is crucially important to me that I elevate and empower those who need it most. My unique lawyering practice does just that. As a former news journalist, I have always been interested in individuals’ stories. The pivotal moment for me was when I questioned how I could go beyond simply sharing someone’s story. I wanted my career to be focused on leaving a positive lasting impact on someone’s life. Being a public interest attorney requires a great deal of listening and compassion. I believe my earnest receptivity and conscious awareness of conflict and the need to sort through those challenges for individuals led me to engage in public interest work. Every case or matter that I lead, has a lasting footprint because it comes from a space of earnest passion and devotion. I feel especially fortunate at this moment in my career because I am now able to serve in what I consider to be an influencer role. After working many years as an attorney, I have honed litigation and management skills, specifically in the areas of employment and labor law that should be shared with the next generation of practitioners. I believe lawyering is very much a “pay it forward” practice. My alma maters instilled that in me at the genesis of my studies. My current law firm is incredibly supportive of my goal to mentor novel attorneys and provide professional development. Being a litigator is never easy. Many times, during those herculean moments – passion, creativity, and dedication is what drives me. I have never become stagnant in visualizing perspectives, viewpoints, or ways to process information. Exercising that creativity in my practice has allowed me to resolve some of the most complicated legal matters. Journeying through life can require decades of shaping and redefining purpose. I am happy that my purpose has served as a mantra to propel my career as well as others into the future.
Interests/Hobbies: Contemporary art and travel Family: My husband and two young girls
76
2023 Fourth Quarter
www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Schwanda Rountree