Burke PLLC, a litigation boutique, assists individuals and companies seeking justice in the court system.

In 2002, Susan L. Burke founded the law firm now known as Burke PLLC.  The firm specializes in (1) whistleblower claims arising from fraud, including claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, (2) claims arising from rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, (3) claims arising in Iraq and Afghanistan as a result of defense contractors’ negligence or intentional misconduct, and (4) environmental claims, including those arising in foreign nations.

Whistleblower Claims:  Burke PLLC represents primarily whistleblowers (known as “qui tam” relators).  As set forth in more detail in Ms. Burke’s biography, Ms. Burke previously worked in the Department of Justice Civil Frauds division, and thereafter defended pharmaceutical and other health care companies against qui tam lawsuits.   This DOJ and defense background gives Burke PLLC a unique advantage in representing whistleblowers.

Burke PLLC represents individual whistleblowers working in the pharmaceutical, health care, and defense contracting industries.  Burke PLLC has a history of bringing False Claims Act cases to trial.   Shortly after its formation, Ms. Burke and Burke PLLC prevailed in a major False Claims Act trial involving Medicare claims held in Fort Worth, Texas.

Claims Arising from Rape, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment:  Burke PLLC represents individuals and family members who have suffered as a result of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment.  Burke PLLC is spearheading a legal campaign to seek justice for those servicemembers who were raped or sexually assaulted while defending our nation.

Burke PLLC has committed to assisting soldiers and officers who are raped or assaulted while on active duty in the military.  In February 2011, Burke PLLC filed the Cioca et al. v. Rumsfeld et al. lawsuit, which alleges the military’s failure to provide for impartial adjudication of rape allegations deprives soldiers of their Constitutional rights.  A documentary called “The Invisible War” profiles Kori Cioca and other plaintiffs and explains in compelling terms why reform is needed.

Claims Arising in Iraq and Afghanistan:  Burke PLLC represents individuals who have suffered at the hands of defense countractors.  Ms. Burke and her firm currently serve as lead counsel in several major lawsuits against defense contractors, including KBR, Halliburton, Blackwater (also known variously as Xe, USTC, and Academi), CACI and L-3.

Ms. Burke and her firm serve as lead counsel in the KBR Burn Pit MDL.  There, Burke PLLC represents soliders and contrators whose health has been harmed by KBR’s negligent operation of burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ms. Burke and her firm serve as lead counsel in lawsuits pending against CACI and L-3, which were involved in torturing detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.  Burke PLLC’s clients were featured in a documentary by Rory Kennedy called “The Ghosts of Abu Ghraib.”  Burke PLLC also works with artist Daniel Heyman, photographer Chris Bartlett, and author Nick Flynn, all of whom have shed light on the Abu Ghraib torture and abuse through their creative endeavors.

Ms. Burke and her firm successfully represented 68 Iraqis who were killed or injured by Blackwater mercenaries in Nissor Square.  (The seven lawsuits filed against Blackwater were settled on confidential terms.)

Ms. Burke and her firm successfully represented the family of a woman killed by an Austrailian defense contractor company called Unity.  (The lawsuit was settled on confidential terms.)

Environmental Claims:  Burke PLLC is willing to pursue complex environmental claims, including those arising abroad as a result of conduct by American corporations.   As noted above, Burke PLLC serves as lead and liason counsel on the KBR Burn Pit MDL, which involves claims arising from KBR’s use of surface burning to dispose of tons of waste.

Ms. Burke and her firm successfully represented the government of the Dominican Republic in a lawsuit arising from the dumping of coal ash on Dominican beaches.  They obtained a ten million dollar settlement from AES, an American corporation.