A thermal-electrical assembly (200) provides with improved heat sinking, electrical shielding and electrical grounding. The thermal-electrical assembly is configured using a shield (202) having a windowed aperture (204), a pliable frame (206) formed of thermally and electrically conductive material having contours (210) that fit within and are retained by the windowed aperture, and a thermal insert (208) formed to fit within the pliable frame. The combination of pliable frame 206 and thermal insert (208) close off the shield (202) while providing contact areas for dissipating heat from heat generating circuitry or components. Communication devices, such as portable radios having tight space constraints, can incorporate the thermal-electrical assembly (200) to minimize electrical emissions while maximizing heat dissipation.