Elizabeth Middleton Burke

Elizabeth Middleton Burke uses the law and science to help people injured by pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices and other medical errors.

Burke proudly advocates on behalf of consumers who rely on the pharmaceutical industry for safe and effective treatments. As a member of RPWB’s pharmaceutical and medical device team, she enjoys the challenge of investigating, organizing and litigating science-based cases for the benefit of clients who were not warned about the serious side effects they experienced.

She was born in Hartsville, South Carolina, and grew up in Lake City. As an undergrad, Burke was preparing for medical school when she decided her academic strengths were better suited for law school. She clerked for the Hon. Paula H. Thomas before beginning her career in pharmaceutical litigation at Suggs & Kelly in Columbia. She joined RPWB in 2003.

Many of the cases Burke works are on behalf of female patients who have been seriously injured by prescription medication. Pharmaceutical cases are inherently complicated and involve defendants with tremendous resources at their disposal. Burke has successfully stood up to the world’s largest corporations on behalf of consumers throughout the country.

In addition to pharmaceutical cases, Burke also accepts medical device, medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury cases.

Burke is married and has a daughter. She is active with the Southern Trial Lawyers Association as well as the College of Charleston Alumni Association and Past Presidents Association. She is a parishioner of The Church of the Holy Cross on Sullivan’s Island and enjoys going to the beach as often as possible.

Areas of Practice

• Medical Devices
• Medical Malpractice & Pharmacy Liability
• Personal Injury
• Pharmaceutical Drugs

Admissions

• 1997, South Carolina
• U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina, J.D., 1997
• College of Charleston, Honors College; B.A., English, 1994

Professional Memberships

• South Carolina Bar
• American Association for Justice (AAJ) (Formerly ATLA)
  • Membership Oversight Committee, 2008-2011
  • Convention Planning Committee, 2008-2016
  • National College of Advocacy Board of Trustees, 2005-2008
  • New Lawyers’ Division, Secretary, 2000-2001, Communications Committee, 2003-2005
• South Carolina Association for Justice SCAJ (Formerly SCATLA)
• Southern Trial Lawyers Association (STLA), 2010 to Present; Board of Governors, 2013 to Present, Secretary 2015
• Federal Bar Association
• College of Charleston Alumni Association
  • Immediate Past President, 2011-2012
  • President, 2010-2011
  • President Elect, 2008-2010
  • Vice President, 2007-2008
  • Board of Directors, 2003-2006, 2007-2012
• College of Charleston Foundation Board, Ex-Officio Member, 2010-2011
• College of Charleston Friends of the Library Board, 2013-Present
• College of Charleston Honors College, Distinquished Alumni Award, 2011