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Mackenzie C. McBurney

AssociateProvidence

Mackenzie McBurney is a member of the firm’s Litigation group, resolving complex commercial disputes for businesses of all sizes. She advises clients on general business, real estate, energy, and environmental matters.

Spanning many industries and issues, Mackenzie handles a range of business matters, from contract breaches to constitutional claims. She has a particular focus on commercial real estate matters, where she represents clients on zoning and land use, real estate disputes, and challenges to commercial real estate taxes.

Alongside her complex commercial litigation practice, Mackenzie frequently advises clients on energy and environmental regulations. She assists her clients in staying apprised of emerging issues by regularly authoring articles and, most recently, a series on PFAS (also known as forever chemicals). Across all of her work, clients appreciate Mackenzie’s ability to clearly explain complex and quickly changing regulations in a way that fosters informed businesses decisions.

Outside of her practice, Mackenzie is committed to public service. She currently serves as an appointed Commissioner on the Rhode Island Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Commission.

Before joining the firm, Mackenzie clerked at the highest level of state and federal appellate courts, including serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Lara E. Montecalvo at the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, as well as the Honorable Erin Lynch Prata and the Honorable Maureen McKenna Goldberg at the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Work Experience

  • Hinckley Allen
    • Associate (2022, 2023-Present)
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
    • Law Clerk to the Honorable Lara E. Montecalvo (2022-2023)
  • Rhode Island Supreme Court
    • Law Clerk to the Honorable Erin Lynch Prata (2021-2022)
    • Law Clerk to the Honorable Maureen McKenna Goldberg (2020-2021)
    • Law Clerk for the Providence Business Calendar (2019-2020)

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2025-2026)
    • Commercial Litigation
  • Super Lawyers, Rhode Island: Rising Stars (2024-2026)
    • Business Litigation

Charitable & Civic Involvement

  • Bishop Russell J. McVinney Foundation
    • Board Member
  • Rhode Island Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Commission
    • Member

Professional Affiliations

  • Pawtucket Bar Association
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Rhode Island Women's Bar Association

Bar Memberships

  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Publication

Reuters Legal News: When Your AI Tool Becomes a Witness: AI Tools, Privilege Waiver, and the Hidden Risks of Generative AI Technology

B. Stephanie Siegmann and Mackenzie C. McBurney recently detailed in Reuters Legal News that, as generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot become common workplace resources, organizations and individuals should be aware that AI can …

Publication

When Your AI Tool Becomes a Witness: AI Tools, Privilege Waiver, and the Hidden Risks of Generative AI Technology

Every day, millions of people type questions into ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and similar AI assistants—often without considering where those prompts go or who might see them. The convenience is undeniable, but prompts entered into AI platforms may be disc…

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Firm News

Hinckley Allen Earns Wide Recognition Across Six States in 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Star Listings

More than 60 Hinckley Allen attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists across our Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Upstate New York offices. The honorees include both newly selecte…

Firm News

Hinckley Allen Recognized for Excellence: 75% Attorneys Honored in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026

Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that 127 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, representing 75% of the firm’s legal team.

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Case Study

Hinckley Allen Claims Important Win for Shoreline Property Owners in Roth v. State of Rhode Island Case

Hinckley Allen, a top provider of effective legal services in litigation, claimed an important win for private property rights in Rhode Island last week. In Roth v. State of Rhode Island, Hinckley Allen challenged the constitutionality of newly e…

Case Study

Hinckley Allen Affirms Touro Synagogue’s Rightful Ownership

In a major victory for Hinckley Allen client Congregation Shearith Israel, the Rhode Island Supreme Court recently affirmed Shearith Israel’s rightful ownership and stewardship of the historic Touro Synagogue in Newport – the oldest active synagogue bu…

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