Shannon Burke

Shannon is an associate solicitor in the international and group litigation team, specialising in claims against multinational corporations where environmental harm or human rights abuses have been alleged.

Shannon works primarily on group claims related to human rights abuses, parent company and supply chain liability and environmental damage. She currently works on Josiya & Ors v British American Tobacco plc & Ors [2021] EWHC 1743 (QB) representing over 10,000 Malawian tobacco farmers and their children in their claim against British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands. The claims relate to forced and child labour on farms allegedly supplying tobacco to the companies.

Further experience

Before joining Leigh Day, Shannon worked at Clifford Chance specialising in corporate acquisitions and advisory work. Shannon was head of pro bono operations and relationships for their Middle East region, with a focus on schemes supporting migrant domestic workers and political activists. She also volunteered with Refugee Action and the Refugee Law Clinic, focusing on asylum and human rights claims for asylum seekers and was seconded to the Mary Ward Legal Centre, representing clients before the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) in appeals for disability benefit claims.

Shannon has interned in the international advocacy department of a leading civil society organisation in Palestine, supporting with submissions on the impact of counter terrorism measures on society and civic space to the UN Special Rapporteur.