Edward J. Burke

Edward J. Burke is a founding partner of Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd. His practice concentrates in both governmental affairs and complex civil litigation. Mr. Burke conducts civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts at the trial level, appellate level, and in the Illinois Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court.

Subject matters litigated by Mr. Burke include, without limitation: civil rights claims; construction industry disputes; surety disputes; civil RICO claims; eminent domain and zoning disputes; securities disputes; employment and labor disputes; lender liability claims; fiduciary duty disputes; directors and officers liabilities; shareholder and partner disputes; bankruptcy and commercial foreclosure issues; real estate disputes; accountancy liabilities; and anti-trust claims. Mr. Burke is also experienced in conducting class action litigation, especially in pension and health-care matters.

Prior the founding of Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd., Mr. Burke founded and managed successively the firms of Crowley, Burke, Nash and Shea and the firm of Burke & Smith Chartered. During these partnership associations and prior thereto as a sole practitioner, Mr. Burke has focused his practice on diverse, complex commercial litigation matters. Additionally, during his many years of practice, Mr. Burke has served variously as Special Counsel to the State of Illinois, Department of Public Works & Buildings (Highways, Waterways and Architecture); Chairman of a Legislative Sub-Committee to Study and Amend the Motor Vehicle Act; as a Special Assistant Attorney General; and as a Special Counsel to the Mayor of the City of Chicago. Mr. Burke has served continuously since 1983 as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

Practice Areas

• Board Governance
• Business and Corporate
• Civil Litigation
• Class Action Litigation
• Construction Law
• Eminent Domain
• Employment and Labor
• Public Pension Law

Bar and Court Admissions

• Illinois Supreme Court (1962)
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• Supreme Court of the United States

Education

• University of Notre Dame
  J.D. 1961
• University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary
  B.A. 1955; two years postgraduate, Theology

Professional Appointments and Memberships

• Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Illinois (1983 to present)
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

Prior Experience

• Special Counsel to Mayor of City of Chicago (1979-1982)
• Special Counsel to State of Illinois, Public Works (1965-1968)
• Assistant Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago (1961-1963)