Debbie Burke

337.267.2324

Involvement

Professional

  • Vanessa has handled a wide variety of matters including products liability, labor and employment, insurance coverage, maritime personal injuries, offshore platform claims, contractual indemnity disputes, vessel collisions and other commercial disputes.
  • Vanessa graduated top of her class from Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center where she was a member of the Louisiana Law Review as well as the Order of the Coif.

Community

  • Young Leadership Council – Member, 2004-2006
  • Junior League of Lafayette – Member, 2008-Present

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, 2024-2025
  • Acadiana Profile “Top Lawyer” in Energy Law, 2024
  • Acadiana Profile “Top Lawyer” in Oil and Gas Law, 2019-2020

 

Credentials

Education

  • Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center (J.D., 2003)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Louisiana Law Review
    • Board of Regents Scholarship
  • Louisiana State University (B.A., Political Science, summa cum laude, 2000)

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 2003

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Louisiana, 2003
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District, Louisiana, 2003
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Louisiana, 2003

Presentations

  • “Women in the Energy Transition,” Women’s Leadership Conference, March 18, 2022

Publications

  • "Anti-Indemnity Laws: Indemnification Agreements In The Oilfield," Houston Marine and Energy Insurance Conference, September 24-26, 2023
  • Determining Vessel Status in the Fifth Circuit
  • "Rideau v. Whitley: Lack of Evidence or Lack of Understanding?", 63 La. Law Rev. 157, Fall 2002