Judge Shaheena Bennett speaks at Orientation

Judge Shaheena Bennett, Chief Judge at Moncks Corner Municipal Court and founder of Bennett Law Firm & Mediation, addressed Charleston Law’s incoming class at Orientation on Thursday.

Judge Bennett emphasized the importance of identifying bias (explicit and unconscious) and developing cross‑cultural competence to protect clients and improve legal decision‑making.

“Stop → Listen → Check → Ask,” she said.

“Bias need not be malicious to produce unequal outcomes; disciplined recognition of bias protects clients and integrity of judgment,” she said. “Learn the law, master rules, but never forget the people seeking justice. Aim to be disciplined enough to recognize and correct biases before they harm others.”

Judge Bennett said, “bias is broad” and can produce harmful outcomes without bad intent. She continued by addressing cross‑cultural competency, a professional skill she believes “begins with humility and an understanding of how cultural norms shape communication and decision‑making.”

“Lawyers hold extraordinary power to interpret, enforce, advise on, and create systems; thus, they bear extraordinary responsibility,” said Judge Bennett. “Good lawyering combines mastery of law with ability to see the person behind the case and listen across cultural boundaries.”

“Judge Bennett is truly dedicated to public service and a wonderful role model for brand new law students,” said Allyson Haynes Stuart, Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law.

In 2024, Judge Bennett was sworn in as the first African American woman to serve as president of the South Carolina Bar Association. She was also the first African American woman to serve as President of the Berkeley County Bar Association.

A South Carolina native, Judge Bennett earned her Juris Doctor from Western New England College and School of Law. Her practice specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, entertainment, criminal defense, and civil litigation