William F. Burke, a veteran litigator, handles a wide range of complex, high-stakes cases for his varied commercial and individual clients.  Bill’s decades of successful trial experience in both state and federal court, as well as before government agencies, have rendered him an expert on all aspects of litigation, including products, professional, and general liability cases; transportation/common carrier suits; hospitality representation; and insurance and commercial matters, in state and federal courts as well as government agencies.

Since entering private practice, Bill has had an abundance of experience in conducting and supervising arson and fraud investigations for a number of insurers, which has required close cooperation and work with federal, state, and local agencies throughout New England.  He works to anticipate and solve problems that impact construction and transportation companies, insurers, product manufacturers, and individuals.  Bill represents clients and insurers in high-stakes coverage matters throughout New England and New York.

Bill represents a prominent Boston restaurant/bar group, as well as national restaurant and hotel chains, in all aspects of business, including regulatory, ABCC, Boston Entertainment and Liquor Licensing Board, ZBA, ISD, employment, and MCAD civil actions.  He is also experienced in drafting policy guidelines and presenting them to staff and managers.

Bill defends professionals, such as architects, engineers, and dentists, in malpractice suits and also represents a major Boston university in cases of medical and dental malpractice and general liability matters.

Bill is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who formerly served as the intelligence coordinator for the Organized Crime Strike Force, Department of Justice, in their Boston office.  Over the course of his work with the Strike Force, he has been involved in all aspects of conceiving and executing a variety of complex investigations and prosecutions targeting organized crime and individuals in the New England area.

Bill is a former shareholder at Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC.  Prior to that, he was the founding partner of Burke and McMenimen PC, offering a full range of counseling and litigation services for his clients.  Bill utilizes his deep knowledge of insurance and related matters to the benefit of his clients and their insurers.

Education

  • Suffolk University, J.D., 1980
  • St. Francis Xavier University, B.A., 1971

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • United States Court of International Trade