Dennis K. Burke—the former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, Senior Adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, and member of the Obama/Biden transition team that focused on homeland security administration and policy—has joined Ballard Spahr as of counsel in Phoenix, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.
Mr. Burke brings more than 20 years of experience in federal and state government. As U.S. Attorney for Arizona, he oversaw all federal prosecutions in the state and led a range of investigations, including high-profile cases involving white collar crimes, drug trafficking, immigration issues, and fraud.
After leaving government service, Mr. Burke maintained a private law practice and founded a national security consulting and business advisory firm, where he advised clients on investigations, corporate governance issues, federal and state government relations, and intellectual property enforcement.
At Ballard Spahr, Mr. Burke will be a member of the firm’s Litigation Department and its White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations and Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Groups.
“Dennis is an experienced and savvy litigator with significant government experience at both the state and federal level,” said Henry E. Hockeimer, Jr., who leads Ballard Spahr’s White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations practice. “His experience in directly prosecuting and managing the prosecution of complex cases as the United States Attorney has provided him an uncanny ability to strategize and identify the key issues in a matter. Our clients will benefit from that experience. He’s a terrific addition to the team.”
Before he became U.S. Attorney for Arizona and Senior Adviser to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, he served as her Chief of Staff when she was Governor of Arizona. His government experience also includes serving as Acting Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice, a Senior Policy Analyst for the White House Domestic Policy Council during the Clinton administration, and Majority Counsel on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, where he covered intellectual property, crime and enforcement, and judicial nominations.
“Dennis has a unique perspective on how the federal government pursues white collar crimes,” said John G. Kerkorian, Managing Partner of the firm’s Phoenix office. “His broad experience in government investigations, enforcement actions, and administrative proceedings will be invaluable to our clients. He also has long-standing relationships with several of our partners at the national and local level, and we are delighted to welcome him to our office.”
Members of Ballard Spahr’s White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group conduct internal investigations and represent clients facing government enforcement action. They have represented public figures, political leaders, and Fortune 500 corporations and executives in a range of high-stakes criminal and civil matters.
The Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Group at Ballard Spahr offers a range of services to clients in state capitals across the nation. Members of the group monitor and provide data on government developments and give direct assistance in legislative efforts. In economic development and government contracting matters, they help clients identify and pursue opportunities that fit their business needs.
“Ballard Spahr has a top-flight white collar practice and is focused on expanding its corporate practice in the West,” Mr. Burke said. “I’m excited to be part of that growth and to work alongside lawyers I admire both personally and professionally.”
About Ballard Spahr
Ballard Spahr LLP, an Am Law 100 law firm with more than 500 lawyers in 15 offices in the United States, provides a range of services in litigation, business and finance, real estate, intellectual property, and public finance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, life sciences and technology companies, health systems, investors and developers, government agencies and sponsored enterprises, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The firm combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.ballardspahr.com.
