Attorneys & Staff

Honored as one of the area's 2016 "Top Lawyers" in the Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine, and as the Spokane County Bar Association VLP 2015 Family Law Attorney of the Year .  Attorney Dena Allen is an experienced attorney and mediator, having practiced law for nearly 25 years.  She focuses her practice on all aspects of family law, adoptions, probate, and estate planning.  While she is a very tough and respected litigator, she also knows the value to her clients, both financially and emotionally, of settling cases without having to walk down the adversarial (litigation) path.  When the facts and circumstances of a case warrant, and with client approval, she actively pursues settlement without using the courts, using either mediation or the Collaborative Law process. 

Sarah Brandon practices exclusively in family law so that she can focus on the legal needs of her clients and keep current with the law.  Sarah strives to serve her clients with the utmost professionalism.  She values candor with her client and with the court. 

John Burke, the founder and former Managing Partner of Burke Law Group, is currently on medical leave and not able to accept new clients at this current time.  Honored as one of the area's 2016 "Top Lawyers" in the Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine. Attorney John Burke focuses his law practice on Collaborative Divorce and Estate Planning. John believes that a majority of divorce cases that go the traditional litigation route could be resolved using the Collaborative Law process for a generally quicker resolution, often with less expense, and most importantly, on a much friendlier and cooperative basis than what results in the adversarial environment of traditional litigation. He was a founding member, director, and officer of Collaborative Professionals of Washington and Spokane County Collaborative Professionals, both being non-profit associations that educate the public and increase the awareness of collaborative law as an alternative to traditional litigation.

Honored as one of the area's 2016 "Top Lawyers" in the Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine. Attorney Matthew Fischer focuses his practice in all areas of family law.  Matt’s approach to his practice is to focus on what is in the best interest of his clients. He spends the necessary one-on-one time with each of his clients, carefully listening to their needs, concerns, and desires, so that he can focus on the specific issues that will provide the best possible outcome for his client.  Matt believes that it is extremely important for clients to establish a trusting relationship with their attorney, and diligently works on building the bridges of confidence and compassion to earn the trust of each of his clients .  This results in a sense of "team" between Matt and each of his clients, to efficiently accomplish the goals of the client.  Matt brings to the table a balanced blend of knowledge, experience, and true compassion for each and every one of his clients.

Mr. Linehan’s areas of practice include claimant representation in Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income cases, and the wide range of family law matters including divorce, support, parenting plans, modifications, and adoptions. Mr. Linehan also serves as a Spokane County Superior Court Pro Tem Commissioner.

Combining her legal experience with her diverse background enables her to relate to her clients while still providing them with the sound legal support they need in what may be one of the most difficult chapters in that individual's life.  She honors each person's unique perspective, goals, and concerns and considers the relationship between herself and her clients as a partnership; Robin works with her clients towards resolving legal matters with a focus towards what is most important to them.

Rhylee Smith practices in all areas of family law including divorce and separation, child custody, and spousal support. While Rhylee is a fierce advocate, she approaches her clients with compassion and understanding. She enjoys getting to know them on a personal basis as well as professional one. Rhylee firmly believes in open communication and ensures her clients are always well-informed about the process and details of their cases.

Joanna ("Jo") is admitted to practice by the Washington State Supreme Court as a Rule 9 Intern.  As a Rule 9 Intern with over 4 years of family law experience, she provides legal counsel and appears in court on behalf of clients.  Joanna is nearing completion of her legal studies and will be taking the bar exam in the near future.  She primarily works with Dena Allen. 

Anne is a Paralegal with primary support responsibilities for Matthew Fischer and Joseph Linehan. Anne recently moved to Spokane to begin a career in law and came to Burke Law Group having had a career in publishing and marketing. She holds an AAS Paralegal degree and is currently working towards completing a BA with a focus on Social Services and Marriage and Family Counseling. She plans to continue her studies, obtain her bar license, and practice Family Law. 

Keri is a Paralegal with primary support responsibilities for Rhylee Smith. Keri holds a BAS in public service administration from Whitworth University and a AAS in paralegal studies from Spokane Community College. Keri comes to Burke Law Group with focused experience in mortgage banking, criminal law, contract law, and family law. 

Amy is a Legal Assistant, with primary support responsibilities for Dena Allen.

Carla is a Legal Assistant, with primary support responsibilities for Robin Schmahl and Sarah Brandon.

Jennifer's responsibilities encompass most of the behind the scene functions of Burke Law Group, from bookkeeping and billing, to file management, and computer hardware and software functionality.  Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Management from Colorado State University.   

Mansheel ("Mun") is the firm's receptionist and legal clerk.  In addition to performing the typical duties of a receptionist, she handles most of the initial contacts with prospective clients, processes client payments, and helps maintain client files for all attorneys.