Claire Burris was born to Edward and Monica Burris, both prominent lawyers and Harvard alumni. It was basically decided from birth she would follow in her parents' footsteps. Two years later her sister, Janine, was born. Both girls attended law school at Harvard University. Janine went on to become an Assistant District Attorney in Los Angeles, California. Claire was hired on at Mayer, Ingram, & Rogers in New York City. It was here that she first met Nathan Graham.