Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliet Burgess.
Hi Juliet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Twenty years ago, I started practicing commercial litigation in the Phoenix office of a large international law firm. Though I loved my career and clients, I struggled (like so many women) to juggle professional growth and personal responsibilities for my family.
After deviating from the more traditional and “safe” career path to prioritize spending more time with my young children, I sought project work for long-time clients and colleagues. Through my community involvement, I earned the trust of business leaders and other attorneys seeking my legal expertise in employment law. I recognized the opportunity for a boutique law firm started by a woman who loved practicing law but in a modern and flexible way, and the Burgess Law Group was born.
Eight years later, I’m proud to say The Burgess Law Group has grown to include a prestigious team of attorneys and legal professionals known not only for their legal work but also for their sincere efforts to champion other women and to improve the community and practice of law for the next generation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would describe the journey as more of a rollercoaster than a road! Being a small business owner during the pandemic and growing the firm as a pregnant woman with two elementary-aged children virtually learning at home, while my husband (Todd Burgess) left his partnership role at a large national firm to join me in expanding the Burgess Law Group, was quite the adventure.
Likewise, as a working mom now with a toddler, tween, and teen, I am constantly navigating uncharted waters at school, work, home. As the firm continues to evolve with our clients and community, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, setting boundaries, giving myself (and others) grace, and transparency.
We’ve been impressed with The Burgess Law Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Burgess Law Group is an award-winning boutique firm with a modern-day culture providing specialized legal advice to businesses of all sizes and in various industries helping them tackle daily and large-scale issues in an educated and insightful manner. The firm focuses on understanding the unique realities of each client and collaborates with trusted attorneys in overlapping practice areas to create tailored legal solutions to specific client needs.
My personal specialty is providing employment law advice to businesses, physicians, and executives in Arizona. I’m proud of the work we do in giving our clients practical legal advice to deal with modern workplace issues (i.e., artificial intelligence, violence, and mental health, sexual harassment and discrimination, hybrid work environments, disability accommodations, and non-disclosure/non-compete enforceability in severance agreements).
I also conduct workplace investigations, perform in-house trainings, speak on pertinent legal issues, and am a contributing author for several local and national publications, including Arizona Employment Letter, HR Laws, HR Daily Advisor, The Daily Independent, and Arizona Attorney magazine.
In addition to practicing law, I am passionate about giving back to the community. Some of the work I am the most proud of are the collaborations the Burgess Law Group has participated in with other local businesses and leaders to support causes we care about. For example:
– the Aggregate’s “Stronger Together” event was a post pandemic fashion show featuring clothing from Scottsdale’s Amy Atelier boutique, style icons from the Aggregate and Local Board real estate, and a book reading by Karen Bradshaw (professor of Law at ASU Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law) to support, connect and inspire women and raise awareness for Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (2021);
– the Arizona Foundation for Women’s “Silver Soiree” was an event I co-chaired with Brooke Levy and Billie Jo Herberger to celebrate the organization’s 25th Anniversary and raise support for the safety, health, and economic independence of Arizona Women (2022);
– “Champagne and Channel” was a collaboration to support Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Visionary of the Year Lisa Moore co-hosted with Leslie Lehr Living and Saks Fifth Avenue (2023).
– We were also proud to be sponsors at the Center for Female Equity & Inclusion’s “Second Annual Women Leadership Conference”; the Arizona Women Lawyer Association’s 44th Annual Conference entitled “Breaking Down Barriers & Building for the Future”; the Scottsdale Charros Education Banquet recognizing outstanding faculty and students from Scottsdale Unified School District; Arizona Foundation for Women’s Moonlight Masquerade; and Childhelp’s “Pinwheels for a Purpose” Annual Fashion Show (2023-2024).
Currently, I am on the board of Arizona Women Lawyer’s Association and a member of Copper Club, the Scottsdale Professional Collective, the Phoenix Heart Ball Committee (American Heart Association); the Arizona Costume Institute’s Holiday Luncheon Committee (Phoenix Art Museum); Ballet Barre (Ballet Arizona), and the Wings Chapter of Childhelp Arizona.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Artificial intelligence and remote work arrangements have forever changed the landscape of the legal profession. While as a young attorney (mentored by baby boomers) I aspired to one day be a partner with a high salary and corner office; today, many young attorneys would rather work remotely valuing their time and flexibility more than traditional measures of success.
I think this generational shift, along with evolving technology, will continue to guide the direction of the legal industry. I also feel it is important to mention that although statistically more than half of the law students in the United States are female. Currently, very few of them ultimately succeed in holding leadership roles or making equity partner.
I believe that as a gender, we need to continue to support, connect, and inspire one another so that these statistics improve. I also hope that my story and those of other women like me help inspire the next generation to know that even though their path may not be linear, they can achieve success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theburgesslawgroup.com
- Instagram: @juliet.burgess
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-burgess-ab4216133/
Image Credits
Leland Gebhardt
Colleen Katz
Yvette Meek
Sara Hoag
