James E. Burke

For more than 40 years, award-winning litigator Jim Burke has helped business clients succeed in all types of complex litigations. In the process, he has become one of an elite group of litigators who can deftly handle complex cases of all types.

Jim’s litigation practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial litigation, including both trial and appellate practice, in state and federal court. He has handled cases before courts in Ohio, Kentucky, California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado, and Delaware. He has significant experience in financial and transactional cases, commercial matters, class and derivative actions, and actions arising under the federal securities laws. In 1997, Jim was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, membership in which is extended by invitation only to "experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill as advocates and whose career has been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism and civility." He frequently lectures on trial practice and professionalism topics and serves on the Trial Boot Camp Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Jim has now expanded his practice to handle mediations and arbitrations of the types of complex commercial and business cases that he has spent his career litigating. Jim is certified in mediation by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Cleveland Mediation Center, a training program approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio. During his career, he has represented his clients in mediations and mediated settlements in hundreds of cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants; and he understands the nuances surrounding all types of complex business mediations, such as those involving:

• Securities
• Commercial disputes
• Merger and acquisitions
• Shareholder disputes
• Complex contractual matters

In addition, Jim’s practice includes serving as a private arbitrator and mediator. Jim was appointed to a panel of experienced arbitrators and mediators approved by the Cincinnati Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (CBADR) which has proven to be a fair and effective method of resolving disputes privately, expeditiously, and economically.

Jim is known for his ability—largely due to his years of courtroom experience involving complex disputes—to succinctly assess and thoughtfully convey the risks and benefits for each side during each step in the mediation process. Jim is a practical, business-focused analyst who has worked for decades with some of the country’s most sophisticated businesspeople. He speaks their language when it comes to bringing both sides to the table to reach an innovative, successful agreement through mediation or arbitration.

Jim's experience in the courtroom and at the mediation table makes him a compelling choice for clients who need goals-focused counsel to efficiently resolve their own disputes or as a third-party intermediary for even the most vexing, high stakes business disputes.