Samuel B. Burke

In a relatively short period of time Sam Burke has established a reputation as one of the top litigators in the State of Texas. Clients have benefited from Sam’s expertise in complex matters involving real estate, governmental litigation, probate, and serious personal injury. Sam also handles a wide variety of complex issues regarding Oil & Gas and has extensive experience in land use litigation, legal malpractice defense, and class action litigation.

Sam graduated from Krum High School and received his Bachelors in Liberal Arts from Austin College. Inspired by his father, Hardy Burke, Sam decided to attend law school and in 1998 he received his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law. After graduating from Texas Tech, he returned to Denton to practice law with his father. After several years as a partner at Wood, Thacker & Weatherly, P.C., Sam recently has become a shareholder at Alagood & Cartwright, P.C.

Sam Burke received his board certification in Civil Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been honored by his peers and legal publications throughout his legal career. Sam was named a “Texas Rising Star” in General Litigation as published by Thomson Reuters for Texas Monthly Magazine 2008 – 2013. In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, Sam received the prestigious AV Preeminent rating (Top) by Martindale-Hubbell and was recognized as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 in Texas by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

In addition to his law practice, Sam is involved in the local community. Sam serves as a board member of the Corinth Economic Development Corporation. For several years, he served as a member of the Board of Communities in Schools of North Texas and is a past president of that organization. Sam also served as a Director of the Denton County Bar Association and as a member of the Denton County Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee.

“I have unique perspectives and insights because I have worked for both Plaintiffs and Defendants. And, while I love courtroom work, because I am a trial attorney, I recognize when the courtroom is not the best place to solve a problem. Some of my most satisfying work has been done with long-term clients who bring me into their trust and allow me to provide that ounce of prevention that avoids the need for a pound of cure.”

Sam lives in Corinth with his wife, Dr. Anna Burke, and their two children, Catherine and Samuel.

Practice Areas: Civil Litigation, Oil & Gas Litigation, Probate Litigation, Land Use Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Real Property Litigation, Breach of Fiduciary Duty Litigation, Personal Injury, Fraud, Defamation, Libel, Slander, Business Litigation, Professional Negligence, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Employment Discrimination, Eminent Domain, Condemnation, and Landlord Tenant Litigation.

Admitted: State of Texas – 1998; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas – 2000

Law School: Texas Tech University, J.D. 1998

College: Austin College, Liberal Arts, 1995

Awards: Recipient 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 Texas Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine; 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards; Excellent AVVO Rating; Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyer Organization.

Associations: Member, Denton County Bar Association, 1998 – present; Director, Denton County Bar Association 2000-01; Member, Denton County Bar Association Judiciary Committee 1999-2000; Board Member of the Corinth Economic Development Corporation; Member of the Board of Community Schools of North Texas; Past President of the Board of Community Schools of North Texas;

ARTICLES BY SAMUEL B. BURKE

Gun Control Debate:  A Brief History
Educate Yourself about Builder’s Risk Insurance
Free Speech at Work
Business Liability for Work Place Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents are a Significant Source of Potential Liability for Most Businesses
Arbitration Dispute Resolution
The Fall of Eyewitness Testimony and the Rise of Digital Evidence
Why Specializaiton Matters
Hearsay, a Brief History
To Frack or Not to Frack – When does government regulation violate the Constitution?
Fraud – Bad Opinions Can Get You in as Much Trouble as Bad Facts
Point, Click and Contract?
Why do Some People Get Sued While Others Don’t