More than an accomplished lawyer, Singleton B. McAllister, one of four African-American partners at the law firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo P.C., in Washington, D.C., is a trailblazer. Her focus there is on interpreting the laws and regulations governing diversity issues, imparting legal counsel and mitigating crisis management.

“Live every minute to its fullest and the hours will take care of themselves,” she insists. “My mother has always [urged me] to work hard and give back to [my] community. She laid the foundation to always treat everyone with respect.”

McAllister’s practice also encompasses public law and policy, where she fosters a broad range of expertise in such areas as international law and international transactional matters, public policy and education, working with corporations, academic institutions, government offices and nonprofits.

McAllister earned a B.A. in government and politics at the University of Maryland and a law degree from Howard University, but it was at Maryland that the groundwork for her career was laid. She explains, “During my senior year at Maryland, I received a Congressional Fellowship with former Congressman Parren J. Mitchell. He demonstrated the importance [of believing] in yourself and [making] a difference.”

Prior to joining Mintz Levin, McAllister was the national chair of the Corporate Diversity Counseling Group at Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal L.L.P. and general counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development, a position to which President Clinton appointed her. During this time, she traveled extensively, gaining valuable insight into the tireless work of women who, like her, strive to make a difference in the fight for social justice and equality. “I was always interested in women and children’s programs,” she says. “The total commitment of the women in many of the less developed nations to fight for equal rights and the rule of law in their communities has always left an indelible impression.”

McAllister also was the first assistant director of TransAfrica, an African-American group that lobbies for U.S. policies favorable to Africa and the Caribbean.