Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Business Litigation Attorneys in Austin
Since 1992, Burk Law Firm, P.C has provided strategic legal representation for individuals and businesses facing complex commercial litigation and business law challenges. Our firm combines deep legal expertise with a minimalist approach to discovery, focusing on critical evidence to reduce costs and accelerate case resolution. We specialize in plaintiffs' civil litigation, commercial arbitration, and business dispute resolution, including fraud claims, fiduciary duty breaches, and shareholder disputes.Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in handling high-stakes cases involving real estate fraud, securities violations, and catastrophic personal injury. We maintain a strong commitment to ethical practice, having earned the AV Preeminent peer recognition for legal ability and ethics. Our fee arrangements are designed to meet client needs through hybrid, contingency, and flat-fee structures while maintaining exceptional trial preparation standards.
Services
Commercial Litigation
Business Law
Fraud Claims
Shareholder Disputes
Real Estate Fraud
Securities Litigation
Fiduciary Duty Breaches
Business Formation
Contract Review
Arbitration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We employ a strategic, minimalist approach to discovery that reduces costs
- Our attorneys have maintained AV Preeminent peer recognition since 1991
- We offer creative fee arrangements tailored to client needs
- We focus exclusively on business litigation and commercial law
- Our firm has a proven track record in complex commercial arbitration cases
Associations and certifications
- AV Preeminent
What people say
Extraordinary outcomes
Exceptional communication
Strategic advantage
All star team
Highest level of competence
Services
Commercial Litigation
Our commercial litigation practice handles complex business conflicts including contract breaches, fraud claims, and fiduciary duty violations. We represent plaintiffs in high-stakes disputes involving significant financial interests and corporate governance issues. Our attorneys combine strategic discovery approaches with trial-ready preparation to achieve favorable settlements or verdicts.
Business Law
We provide comprehensive business law services covering entity formation, contract review, and ongoing legal counsel. Our practice includes drafting operating agreements, shareholder documents, and advising on corporate governance matters. We help businesses navigate legal challenges while focusing on long-term growth and compliance.
Fraud Claims
Our firm specializes in fraud claims including statutory fraud, common law fraud, and securities fraud cases. We represent clients in recovering damages from fraudulent transfers, real estate fraud, and financial advisor misconduct. Our attorneys have extensive experience in tracing illicit funds and proving fraudulent intent in complex financial transactions.
Shareholder Disputes
We handle shareholder and LLC member disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, profit distribution conflicts, and governance issues. Our practice includes derivative actions and business divorce cases. We focus on resolving ownership disputes through strategic litigation or negotiated settlements that protect our clients' equity interests.
Arbitration
Our arbitration practice represents clients in commercial arbitration proceedings as an alternative to traditional litigation. We handle complex arbitration cases involving business contracts, partnership disputes, and industry-specific conflicts. Our attorneys combine trial advocacy skills with knowledge of arbitration rules to achieve favorable awards for our clients.
People
Michael G. Burk
Senior Trial Attorney
Founding attorney with 30+ years of experience in commercial litigation, AV Preeminent-rated since 1991, Harvard and University of Texas educated, former briefing attorney to federal judge.
Joseph W. Schultz
Attorney
Experienced litigator admitted since 1997, Baylor University law graduate with focus on business law and commercial disputes.
Colten W. Smith
Of Counsel
Licensed attorney since 1997 with business law focus, former certified public accountant, Southwest Texas State and Baylor Law School graduate.
Questions
What types of business disputes are most common in Austin?
Common Austin business disputes include breach of contract, partnership disagreements, real estate conflicts, employment issues, and intellectual property disputes.
How long does commercial litigation typically take in Travis County?
Commercial litigation in Travis County typically takes 1-2 years, with simpler cases resolving faster through mediation or settlement negotiations.
What should I include in a Texas business contract to avoid disputes?
Include clear parties identification, scope of work, payment terms, termination clauses, indemnification provisions, confidentiality agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Do I need a lawyer for business dispute mediation?
While not required, legal representation during mediation helps protect your interests and ensures any settlement agreement adequately addresses your legal rights.
What are the steps if my business is sued in Austin?
Review lawsuit documents, consult an attorney within 20 days, preserve evidence, file appropriate responses, and consider mediation before trial.
What fee arrangements do you offer?
We offer hourly fees, hybrid arrangements with reduced rates and contingent interest, pure contingency fees, and flat fee structures for specific cases.
