Areas of Practice
death penalty mitigation
Over the past 15 years, Mairead has diligently navigated all facets of capital cases, from pre-trial to clemency. She specializes in investigating issues related to trauma, intellectual disability, serious mental illness, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Mairead's approach is marked by her ability to contextualize her clients' life histories and circumstances, crafting a nuanced and compelling narrative that encompasses their full humanity.
non-capital mitigation
Mairead advocates for non-capital clients, including those sentenced to life in prison as juveniles. Her work offers decision-makers crucial context and history, emphasizing the individuals' full personhood. Mairead empowers defense attorneys to pursue reduced charges, shorter sentences, meaningful treatment, and favorable plea bargains. For clients returning to the community, she collaborates closely with them, their support networks, and local agencies to craft personalized reentry plans that address housing, employment, education, and health and mental health care.
consultation
In addition to her direct advocacy work, Mairead offers consultation to defense teams and individual mitigation specialists seeking an experienced, comprehensive, and compassionate approach to their cases.
An interview with Raymond Dodd, Jeffrey Light, and Mairead Burke about their collaborative efforts to secure Raymond's release after 25 years in prison.