New Orleans, LA — Kean Miller, a prominent law firm known for its litigation services, has recently expanded its team with the hiring of Shiena Marie N. Burke as an associate. Burke, who will be part of the firm’s casualty and mass tort litigation group, joins the New Orleans office, bringing a wealth of legal experience and expertise.
Before her transition into private practice, Burke had an impressive journey through various judicial capacities, enhancing her grasp of complex legal frameworks. Her initial legal experience includes working as a federal clerk in the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges, which provided her with foundational knowledge and skills in dealing with federal cases.
Burke also contributed her expertise to the Louisiana Supreme of Justice, the office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Orleans Public Defenders office. Her diverse clerkship experience spans multiple branches of the legal system, from state to federal levels, offering her a unique perspective on litigation and legal strategy.
Further enriching her resume, Burke served in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Her work here involved handling cases related to the Defense Base Act, showcasing her capability in managing defense matters that require a high level of diligence and strategic acumen. Her practice areas have since broadened to include insurance coverage disputes, bad faith litigation, general liability, marine litigation, and workers’ compensation.
A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Burke completed her J.D. with cum laude honors in 2019. She distinguished herself academically and professionally during her time in law school, involving herself in various leadership roles and scholarly activities. As an Admiralty Moot Court Team Oralist and Brief Writer, she honed her argumentative skills, while her role as a Comment and Symposium Editor for the Loyola Maritime Law Journal allowed her to delve deeply into maritime law issues.
Burke’s commitment to service was evident during her stint as a Student Practitioner at the Immigration Clinic, where she provided legal assistance to underserved communities. Further illustrating her leadership skills, she also presided as the President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal field.
One of her notable academic achievements includes receiving the CALI Award for achieving the highest grade in Louisiana Property I and Seminar in Marine Pollution during her law school years. This accolade is a testament to her dedication and prowess in her field of study.
Burke’s undergraduate years were equally impressive. She earned her B.A. in government, with a minor in microbiology, from the Nicholls State University Honors Program, graduating cum laude in 2015. Her interdisciplinary education not only shaped her analytical skills but also broadened her understanding of how legal issues intersect with other realms like science and public administration.
As Burke steps into her role at Kean Miller, her diverse background and extensive experience in several legal facets are expected to strengthen the firm’s capabilities in managing complex litigation cases. Her addition to the firm underscores Kean Miller’s commitment to providing comprehensive legal services and its continuous effort to adapt and expand its expertise to meet the evolving needs of its clients.