Burke & Kessler - Oakland, CA

Comprehensive Legal Counsel and Proven Courtroom Advocacy in Oakland

For more than four decades, Burke and Kessler has provided sophisticated legal solutions and steadfast representation to individuals, families, and commercial enterprises throughout Oakland, Alameda County, and across California. Established in 1979, this partnership of professional law corporations brings together two complementary legal disciplines: aggressive courtroom litigation and comprehensive wealth preservation. When you need to hire an estate planning attorney or seek a civil litigation lawyer with trial experience, the firm delivers personalized attention, meticulous preparation, and sound legal strategies designed to protect your financial well-being and legal rights.

Diverse Areas of Legal Practice

The attorneys at Burke and Kessler combine extensive institutional knowledge with deep technical proficiency across multiple fields of law, guiding clients from complex pre-litigation negotiations to formal appellate proceedings.

Wills, Estate Planning and Probate Services

Navigating the transfer of wealth and safeguarding family assets require rigorous legal structuring. Serving as dedicated wills, estate planning and probate lawyers, the firm designs customized revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The practice assists families as knowledgeable wills lawyers and trusts lawyers, protecting assets against avoidable tax liabilities and family disputes. For surviving relatives, the firm acts as compassionate probate lawyers and estate planning lawyers, facilitating seamless court administration and protecting executor interests during probate proceedings.

Civil and Business Litigation

Trial readiness is the cornerstone of effective dispute resolution. As accomplished business litigation lawyers, the firm advocates for plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes contract disputes, partnership conflicts, and commercial controversies. Senior partner Bruce T. H. Burke has tried more than one hundred cases to final judgment, serving additionally as a certified arbitrator and court special master. Whether handling complex breach of contract claims or public works construction disputes, the practice delivers decisive courtroom results.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Representation

When negligence results in severe injury or loss of life, victims and their families need committed legal champions. Acting as aggressive accident and injury lawyers, the firm represents clients who have suffered harm due to vehicular collisions, dangerous property conditions, and professional misconduct. As trusted wrongful death lawyers, the firm investigates incident scenes, consults with medical and economic experts, and pursues maximum restitution from corporate insurance carriers to cover medical costs, lost earning potential, and emotional distress.

Tax Law and Small Business Succession

Managing partner John D. Kessler brings deep insight to federal and state tax compliance as an experienced tax lawyer admitted to the United States Tax Court. The firm assists closely held companies, family partnerships, and entrepreneurs with tax compliance, entity restructuring, and succession planning. In situations involving taxing agencies, the firm acts as vigorous irs dispute lawyers, resolving audits and disputed tax liabilities efficiently.

Direct Partner Attention and Client Commitment

Clients at Burke and Kessler work directly with experienced senior attorneys who invest the time to understand their specific priorities and objectives. If you need to find a probate lawyer, resolve a contentious real estate dispute, or urgently need an attorney for immediate litigation defense, the firm provides accessible, transparent counsel. Reach out to the Oakland office on Embarcadero West to schedule a confidential consultation and discover how four decades of legal excellence can protect your future.