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About
Provided by Thomas R Burke
Practice Areas
Tom Burke defends speech and content across all mediums – representing internet companies; networks; studios; book, magazine and news publishers; and authors, journalists, photographers, documentary filmmakers, and environmental groups. With over 30 years of trial and appellate experience in California's state and federal courts, Tom's practice covers the full spectrum of content liability issues including First Amendment and the defense of libel, privacy and copyright claims. A veteran newsroom lawyer, Tom regularly provides prepublication counseling and defends journalists facing subpoenas for unpublished information and confidential sources. He also regularly litigates high-profile state and federal public records lawsuits. Tom has successfully handled hundreds of anti-SLAPP motions and is the author of "Anti-SLAPP Litigation" (The Rutter Group 2013-present). Since 2002, he has taught media law at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley.
Tom is a member of the firm's Executive Committee.
Professional Memberships
Chair, DWT Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, 2018-present
Lecturer, J255, Law & Ethics, Graduate School of Journalism, University of California, Berkeley, 2002-present
Member, National Board of Advisors, Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, 2013
Governing Board of the ABA Forum on Communications Law, 2008-2011
Appointed Member, Commission for Impartial Courts, California Task Force on Judicial Campaign Conduct, 2007-2009
Co-chair, Freedom of Information Committee, Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, 2006-2008
Member, Internet Law, Membership and Prepublication Review Committees, Media Law Resource Center, 2002-present
Legal Advisor, First Amendment Coalition, 1990-present
Legal Advisor, Student Press Law Center, 2008-present
Member, San Francisco Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, 2009-present
Chambers Review
USA
Thomas Burke maintains an impressive First Amendment practice, with particular expertise in anti-SLAPP motions.
Thomas Burke receives recognition for his specialist knowledge of anti-SLAPP law. He is vastly experienced in representing media companies and journalists seeking access to sensitive information and other First Amendment litigation. He has been particularly active in disputes involving freedom of speech on the internet.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"He's an expert in issues related to speech and first amendment. We rely on him for high-stakes matters."
"He is top-notch."
"Thomas has an incredibly deep knowledge of every matter that comes up. He is an extremely inclusive person and knows how to help his clients. He can think well through both a legal and a business lens."
"He's an expert in issues related to speech and first amendment. We rely on him for high-stakes matters."
"He is top-notch."
"Thomas has an incredibly deep knowledge of every matter that comes up. He is an extremely inclusive person and knows how to help his clients. He can think well through both a legal and a business lens."
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