Burke, Williams & Sorensen: A One-Stop-Shop for Legal Services
Since 1927, Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP has met the legal needs of clients throughout California with efficiency, integrity and responsiveness. The organization’s rich history began with roots in real estate, business law and litigation, and through the years has evolved into one of California’s preeminent firms specializing in public, education, labor and employment law.
“Rather than having to hire one attorney for corporate matters, another for construction disputes and yet another for employment needs, Burke offers one-stop legal services,” said Elizabeth Pappy, Esq., an equity partner with the Burke firm. “Having one firm provides efficiencies that don’t exist when construction companies are required to hire multiple firms.”
During the entirety of her 28-year career as a lawyer, Pappy has represented construction companies of all sizes. She’s proven her expertise throughout a series of economic downturns — from the “dot com” bust, to the 2008 recession, to today’s pandemic — and has helped companies navigate complex issues and challenges as they relate to labor relations, jobsite safety and other construction- specific matters.
She’s also well-versed in litigation — and strategizing how to avoid it.
“I preach getting the attorney on board early if a problem arises … not barreling down the road into a situation where the client has no choice. An ounce of prevention,” Pappy said. “If litigation does arise, I pride myself on knowing how to position a case best for settlement and taking the most strategic and cost-effective litigation steps, which applies to construction disputes and employment matters equally.”
A recent Bay Area SMACNA associate member, the Burke firm often lends its expertise to various Educational events and training sessions. Pappy has enjoyed her work as a volunteer instructor for the Project Management Certificate program, as well as hosting sexual harassment prevention training.
“The audience is always fun to teach, and my knowledge of industry-related cases and different Scenarios makes it an engaging learning environment. Plus, I’m entertaining!” Pappy said.
With 10 offices and more than 125 attorneys, the Burke firm is able represent clients from the Bay Area to San Diego. Their involvement in associations like Bay Area SMACNA helps deepen their connection with the communities they represent and often creates lasting partnerships. “Bay Area SMACNA has a high caliber membership, all with exceptional reputations in the construction community,” Pappy said. “As an associate member, it’s been a privilege for Burke to be able to engage with the organization and gain access to practical knowledge and insights from other leaders in the field and to keep current on the issues affecting those in the construction industry.”