David J. "Dave" Burman, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington
focused on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights
Seattle, WA
Trusted appellate attorney serving Seattle.
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
David J. "Dave" Burman is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights.
- Based in
- Seattle, WASHINGTON
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle) (2025).
About David J. "Dave" Burman: David J. "Dave" Burman is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David J. "Dave" Burman
David concentrates on appellate, business, civil rights, internet, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Internet
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IP
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Litigation
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Patent
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Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes business matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes civil rights matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Internet cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes internet matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes ip matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David J. "Dave" Burman — Attorney of Washington appellate experience
David J. "Dave" Burman is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights.
David Burman, a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation practice, has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, including antitrust, appellate, class action, consumer protection, constitutional, media, patent and intellectual property, privacy, and other cases. He also counsels clients in these and other areas. He has worked on many high-profile cases, including two U.S. Supreme Court arguments, the trial contesting the 2004 Washington State Governor's election, Costco Wholesale Corporation's precedent-setting antitrust and constitutional challenges to state wine and liquor laws, and the Yellow Pages publishers' successful constitutional challenge to municipal restrictions on distribution. He was national counsel in the Pharmaceutical AWP class actions in a federal MDL and more than a dozen state courts. He served as a lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference in 2003 - 2006 and 2009, was a speaker at the 2010 Conference and served on the Ninth Circuit Rules Advisory Committee. He was selected as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and as a member of the American Law Institute, where he was an advisor in drafting the "Principles of Aggregate Litigation."
Dave has been chair of the firm's Commercial Litigation practice, has served on its management and executive committees, and has acted as client service partner for one of the firm's largest institutional clients.
David's approach to appellate cases
David Burman, a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation practice, has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, including antitrust, appellate, class action, consumer protection, constitutional, media, patent and intellectual property, privacy, and other cases. He also counsels clients in these and other areas. He has worked on many high-profile cases, including two U.S. Supreme Court…
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and civil rights matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
David J. "Dave" Burman's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
— · 1977
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Washington, Washingt
ACTIVE
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
David studied at — in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
David completed — in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David J. "Dave" Burman
David has received 54 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Seattle)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Antitrust (Seattle)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Technology Law (Seattle)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Antitrust (Seattle)
2012
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle)
2012
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Seattle)
2011
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle)
2009
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - First Amendment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — First Amendment Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust/IP Intersection
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Disputes
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Complex Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Counseling
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defamation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Election
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fraud
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Intellectual Property
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Media
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Ninth Circuit
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Privacy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam/False Claims Act
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Regulatory
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Supreme Court
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Telecommunications
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Regulation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — White-Collar Criminal Defense
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington State Bar Association, Award of Merit
2026
Best Lawyers in America — University of Wyoming, Outstanding Alumnus
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Foundation of Washington, Goldmark Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Leadership Tomorrow, Edward E. Carlson Award
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Seattle) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - First Amendment (Seattle) (2016). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Antitrust (Seattle) (2015). Lawyer of the Year — Technology Law (Seattle) (2014). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Antitrust (Seattle) (2012).
Locations
David J. "Dave" Burman's office in Seattle
David's primary office is at 1301 Third Avenue, Suite 4200, Seattle, Washington, 98101-3099. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David J. "Dave" Burman
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David J. "Dave" Burman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David J. "Dave" Burman
How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Washington typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
David is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new appellate clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
David handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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