Attorneys

If a party believes the trial court ruled incorrectly in a final judgment on issues of custody, child support, maintenance (formerly known as alimony), business valuation, property division, discovery, contempt, or other related matters, the party may challenge the trial court’s decision in the Illinois Appellate Court or the Supreme Court of Illinois. Or, if a party’s former spouse challenges a trial court’s order, the party may decide to write a brief to the reviewing court in support of the order. In either instance, the party will need the assistance of an appellate attorney.

Ms. Burke has dedicated her legal career to the practice of appellate law. Prior to joining Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, she was a judicial clerk to justices on the Michigan Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court. As a clerk, she read hundreds of appellate briefs, performed research on a wide range of legal issues, and drafted numerous proposed judicial opinions and orders. Since 2008, she has taught appellate law, with a focus on effective written and oral advocacy, at Loyola University School of Law and DePaul University School of Law.

Ms. Burke utilizes her expertise in appellate practice at SDF where her practice includes family law appeals. She utilizes all available methods of research to thoroughly, yet cost-effectively, master the issues presented on appeal. Also, using her unique perspective as a former judicial clerk and legal instructor, she presents the issues to the reviewing court in a persuasive, comprehensive, and understandable way. Ms. Burke also has experience arguing before the Illinois Appellate Court.

Ms. Burke is also a trained collaborative law attorney.  Through the collaborative law process, parties agree to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom by using the expertise of a team of interdisciplinary professionals.  

Her dedication to the legal profession extends beyond the courtroom. She actively gives back to her alma maters, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Michigan State University College of Law, by mentoring undergraduate and law students who are interested in pursuing legal careers. She is the President of the Michigan State University College of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. She also represents victims of domestic violence by assisting them in obtaining emergency and plenary orders of protection.