Burke Thomas R Davis Wright

In California's dynamic and influential landscape, particularly within the realms of media, technology, and public discourse, legal challenges can arise that demand not just expertise, but a profound understanding of constitutional rights and the evolving digital environment. For individuals, companies, and organizations dedicated to free speech, content creation, and public access to information, having a legal advocate who is a recognized authority in these complex areas is absolutely essential. This is where attorneys like Thomas R. Burke, a distinguished partner at the esteemed Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, stand as pivotal figures, offering unparalleled experience and a deep commitment to defending fundamental freedoms in the Golden State.

Thomas R. Burke, often referred to as Tom Burke, is a highly respected partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, a prominent international law firm with a significant presence in San Francisco. With over 30 years of extensive trial and appellate experience in both California's state and federal courts, Tom's practice is primarily dedicated to defending speech and content across all mediums. His comprehensive expertise covers the full spectrum of content liability issues, including First Amendment and the defense of libel, privacy, and copyright claims. He is a veteran newsroom lawyer, regularly providing pre-publication counseling to journalists and defending them against subpoenas for unpublished information and confidential sources. Furthermore, he is highly active in high-profile state and federal public records lawsuits, fighting for transparency and public access to information, including police misconduct records throughout California following recent legislative changes.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, the firm where Thomas Burke practices, is a nationally recognized legal powerhouse. They are particularly well-known for their work with clients in the technology, healthcare, media, entertainment, communications, and financial services sectors. Their San Francisco office serves as a key hub for innovators across multiple industries, providing support and assistance with litigation, employment, regulatory, tax, and corporate advice. The firm’s culture emphasizes a client-focused approach, combining technical excellence with deep industry knowledge to solve complex challenges. For Californians, this means having access to a firm that is not only at the cutting edge of legal developments but also deeply integrated into the industries that drive the state's economy and culture. Thomas Burke's role within this firm solidifies their strength in media and First Amendment law, making him a critical resource for anyone navigating these often contentious and high-stakes legal waters. His authorship of "Anti-SLAPP Litigation" (The Rutter Group 2013-present) further highlights his authoritative standing in a crucial area of California law designed to protect free speech.

For individuals and entities in California seeking robust legal defense for their speech, content, or press freedom, understanding the unparalleled expertise and commitment offered by Thomas R. Burke at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is paramount. This article will delve into his practice's location, the specialized services he provides, his notable features and achievements, and ultimately, why he is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in need of top-tier legal counsel in these vital areas.

Location and Accessibility

Thomas R. Burke is based at the San Francisco office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, located at 1 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This address places the firm within the renowned Embarcadero Center, a prestigious and highly accessible business complex situated in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The strategic choice of this location underscores the firm's professional standing and its commitment to convenience for its diverse clientele.

The Embarcadero Center is celebrated for its exceptional connectivity through various modes of transportation, making it particularly convenient for clients commuting from different parts of San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. For those utilizing public transit, the location is directly adjacent to the Embarcadero BART and Muni Metro station, providing seamless and quick access. Numerous Muni bus lines also serve the immediate area, offering additional public transport options. For clients traveling by car, the Embarcadero Center complex typically provides ample parking within its integrated underground garages. While navigating parking in downtown San Francisco can sometimes be a consideration, the designated facilities at Embarcadero Center help mitigate this concern, though it is always advisable for clients to confirm parking availability and rates prior to their visit. The firm’s presence in such a central and well-connected business hub ensures that clients can easily access sophisticated legal services without undue travel burdens. This prime San Francisco location not only offers convenience but also positions Davis Wright Tremaine LLP within a key nexus of legal, financial, and corporate activity in California, fostering an environment conducive to high-level legal counsel and strategic client engagement for the dynamic California market.

Services Offered

Thomas R. Burke's practice at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP focuses primarily on media law, First Amendment litigation, and intellectual property. His services are comprehensive and cater to a wide range of clients involved in content creation, publishing, and public information.

• First Amendment Litigation: Defending the rights of free speech and press for various entities, including internet companies, networks, studios, publishers, authors, journalists, and documentary filmmakers.
• Libel and Defamation Defense: Representing clients in libel and defamation lawsuits, including successful handling of numerous anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motions, a critical tool in California to protect free speech.
• Privacy and Right of Publicity Claims: Addressing content liability issues related to privacy violations and unauthorized use of an individual's name or likeness.
• Copyright and Trademark Claims: Handling intellectual property disputes concerning copyright infringement and trademark issues in content.
• Pre-Publication/Pre-Broadcast Counseling: Providing proactive legal advice to newsrooms and content creators to minimize legal risks before publication or broadcast.
• Journalist Subpoena Defense: Defending journalists facing subpoenas for unpublished information, confidential sources, or other journalistic materials.
• Public Records Lawsuits: Litigating high-profile state and federal public records lawsuits, advocating for transparency and public access to government information, including police misconduct records.
• Section 230 Defense: Representing internet companies in cases involving Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability for third-party content.
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Issues: Advising on and litigating matters related to DMCA compliance and disputes.
• False Advertising Defense: Representing clients in claims related to alleged false or misleading advertising.
• Appellate Litigation: Handling appeals in state and federal courts, leveraging over 30 years of appellate experience.

Features / Highlights

Thomas R. Burke's professional career is marked by numerous distinctions and features that highlight his expertise and reputation.

• Decades of Experience: Over 30 years of trial and appellate experience in California's state and federal courts, providing a deep well of knowledge for complex cases.
• Leading Media Law Authority: Co-Chair of Davis Wright Tremaine's national media law practice and a highly sought-after expert in First Amendment and content liability issues.
• Author of "Anti-SLAPP Litigation": Authored the definitive guide on anti-SLAPP motions in California, a critical legal tool he has successfully utilized in hundreds of cases to protect free speech.
• Distinguished Educator: Has taught media law at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, since 2002, sharing his expertise with future generations of journalists.
• Recognized by Peers: Selected as a "Super Lawyer," a designation awarded to top-rated attorneys recognized by their peers. He has also been named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Litigation - First Amendment in San Francisco multiple times (2015, 2021, 2023, 2025).
• Representing High-Profile Clients: Has represented major media organizations, internet companies (e.g., Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon.com), and journalists in high-profile cases, demonstrating his ability to handle significant legal challenges.
• Commitment to Public Access: Regularly litigates public records lawsuits to ensure transparency, including efforts to make information about police misconduct public following recent California legislation.
• Pro Bono Involvement: Engaged in significant pro bono work, including representation of the U.S. WeChat Users Alliance to challenge an Executive Order banning the WeChat App on First Amendment grounds.
• Strategic & Practical Solutions: Known for providing creative and practical solutions to complex legal problems related to speech, content, and information access.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly specialized and distinguished attorney practicing within a top-tier global law firm like Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Thomas R. Burke does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. His value proposition is based on his unparalleled expertise, extensive experience, and proven track record in complex and high-stakes media and First Amendment litigation.

However, for prospective clients, especially those with significant legal challenges in his areas of specialization, the firm offers a professional consultation process. This initial engagement allows the client to discuss their specific legal needs, and for Thomas Burke and his team to assess the situation and provide an initial perspective on potential strategies. While such consultations for a prominent attorney at a large firm may involve a fee, it represents an invaluable opportunity to gain insight from a leading expert in the field.

Individuals or organizations with legal concerns pertaining to media law, First Amendment rights, libel, privacy, or public records in California are encouraged to contact Davis Wright Tremaine LLP directly to inquire about scheduling a consultation with Thomas R. Burke. This direct communication is the most effective way to understand his availability, the firm's engagement process, and how his specialized services can be applied to your particular legal challenge.

Contact Information

To connect with Thomas R. Burke at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and discuss legal matters related to media, First Amendment, or intellectual property in California, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Phone: (415) 276-6500

Mobile Phone: +1 415-276-6500

Calling the main office number is the most efficient way to reach the firm and request to speak with Thomas R. Burke or his team. Their professional administrative staff will be able to guide you through the process of scheduling a consultation and ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, particularly those deeply embedded in the media, technology, and public policy sectors, Thomas R. Burke at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable legal resource. His base in the accessible 1 Embarcadero Center in San Francisco provides a central and convenient location for clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond, reflecting the firm's prominence and reach.

What makes Thomas Burke uniquely valuable to locals is his unparalleled specialization and extensive experience in areas critical to California's identity: defending free speech, content, and public access to information. In a state that is a global leader in media and technology, and where constitutional rights are frequently tested, his three decades of experience, coupled with his role as an author of the leading anti-SLAPP guide and a media law educator at UC Berkeley, position him as an undeniable authority. Whether facing libel claims, navigating complex privacy issues, defending journalistic integrity, or fighting for public records, Californians can trust that they are receiving counsel from an attorney who not only understands the law but actively shapes its interpretation and application. His work with high-profile clients and his commitment to pro bono efforts further demonstrate his capacity and dedication to impactful legal work. For any individual or entity in California whose work or rights depend on the robust protection of speech and information, engaging Thomas R. Burke offers the peace of mind and strategic advantage that comes from partnering with a true leader in First Amendment and media law.