Shena E. Burgess has practiced law in Oklahoma since 2000. Her practice focuses on cases including, but not limited to, criminal defense in state and federal court, civil litigation, insurance defense, medical malpractice, breach of contract, and products liability. She represents citizens accused with domestic offenses, drug charges, property crimes, traffic offenses and homicides. She has extensive experience successfully representing citizens who have been accused with violent crimes with her previous experience as the Deputy Chief Public Defender for Tulsa County.
Ms. Burgess is admitted to practice in all state courts in Oklahoma as well as the Eastern, Northern and Western District of Oklahoma Federal Courts. She is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (serving previously as Vice President and a Board Member), Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association (Past President and Officer), and the Tulsa County Bar Association. She serves as associate editor for The Gauntlet. She is also a member of the Criminal division of the Oklahoma Jury Instruction committee.
Ms. Burgess has received awards and recognition from the following: Fern Holland Award Honoree 2012 from the Women's Law Caucus of the University of Tulsa; Adjunct Professor of the Year 2010 from the University of Tulsa College of Law; Coach of the Year 2009 Board of Advocates; Outstanding Women Lawyers Award 2008 form the Tulsa Women Lawyers Association; and Young Careerist of the Year 2006 form the Metro Tulsa Business Professional Women's Organization.
Ms. Burgess has the privilege of being a guest lecturer or invited speaker on criminal law and forensics topics at continuing education seminars for lawyers, in law schools, and in colleges and high schools in Oklahoma. She also continues to teach Trial Skills at the University of Tulsa College of Law as an adjunct professor and coach the American Association of Justice Trial Team that competes against law schools nationwide.