Media Mentions
2012
“Judge Rejects $13.6 Million Deduction for Trust Formed to Pay Tax Liability”
Bloomberg BNA Daily Tax Report, January 20, 2012
Bobby Burchfield, Elizabeth Erickson, Jean Pawlow, Justin Holmes and Kevin Spencer were noted as co-counsel in litigation over a corporation’s claimed interest expense deduction for a trust formed to make payments on a subsidiary’s contested tax liability.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elizabeth Erickson, Justin M. Holmes, Jean A. Pawlow, Kevin Spencer, International Tax, Tax, Trial
“D.C. Dilemmas”
Modern Healthcare, January 9, 2012
Bobby Burchfield said he is inclined to think the Supreme Court will strike down the individual health insurance mandate of the health reform law. That mandate is based on the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, and Mr. Burchfield said that “if the Supreme Court were to uphold the individual mandate, it is very difficult to see how the Commerce Clause is limited at all.” However, Mr. Burchfield predicted that the rest of the law would stand because “it’s not forcing states to do anything – it’s giving states the choice of whether to participate …”
2011
“What Boards Need to Know about Corporate Political Spending”
Boardmember.com, November 14, 2011
Bobby Burchfield stated in this interview that corporate board members should be concerned about their companies’ political contributions “because they may find the activities of their company on the front page of the paper someday. So although it is not considered to be a traditional aspect of a board member’s responsibility, it is something that can bring publicity, good or bad, to a company.” Mr. Burchfield recommended that boards “verify that the company has compliance procedures in place to encourage and ensure it is observing the law” when making contributions.
“Washington Law Firms Rush to Go Green”
Washington Post Capital Business, November 6, 2011
Bobby Burchfield said that for large Washington, DC law firms, moving into environmentally responsible buildings with the highest rating for green construction and design (as McDermott will do in the fall of 2012) “is becoming a competitive issue. To some degree it’s like advertising – you can never really prove a particular newspaper ad generates ‘X’ amount of business, but if you don’t do it, you’re at a competitive disadvantage.”
“Obama Gives Boost to D.C. Law”
US News & World Report/Best Lawyers, November 1, 2011
Bobby Burchfield called the Obama administration “more aggressive than the prior administration” at changing “the framework that businesses operate in,” which creates more government, regulatory, and public policy work for firms with a strong Washington presence like McDermott. Raymond Jacobsen, Jr. noted that “the Obama administration is bringing more cases, cases with higher penalties, and going after deals that have been closed,” with the Federal Trade Commission being “particularly aggressive” regarding healthcare, pharmaceutical and telecom deals. “It is a good time to be an antitrust lawyer,” Mr. Jacobsen added.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Raymond A. Jacobsen Jr., Antitrust & Competition, Trial
“McDermott Will & Emery Promotes Paul Thompson to Co-Lead DC Office: Power Circuit”
Washingtonian, July 22, 2011
Paul Thompson said he will continue his white-collar defense practice as new co-partner-in-charge (with Bobby Burchfield) of the Firm’s Washington office. “Lesson one of McDermott is you’re required to maintain an active practice, even as a managing partner,” he stated. The article also noted that Jeffrey Brennan has joined the office as a partner in the antitrust and competition practice.
Jeffrey W. Brennan, Bobby R. Burchfield, Paul M. Thompson, Antitrust & Competition, Trial, White-Collar & Securities Defense
“New Leadership in McDermott’s DC Office”
Blog of Legal Times, July 14, 2011
Paul Thompson, named co-partner-in-charge (with Bobby Birchfield) of McDermott’s Washington, DC office, was called a “natural leader” by the Firm’s co-chairman Peter Sacripanti. Mr. Thompson had served as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee before joining McDermott.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Peter John Sacripanti, Paul M. Thompson, Trial, White-Collar & Securities Defense
“McDermott Will Elevates Paul Thompson”
Washington Business Journal, July 14, 2011
Paul Thompson was appointed co-partner-in-charge of the Firm’s Washington office, where he will work with Bobby Burchfield to expand the Firm’s already robust legal service offerings in this key market. As co-partner-in-charge, Mr. Burchfield cited Mr. Thompson’s “broad experience as a federal prosecutor, on Capitol Hill, and in private practice, coupled with his energy and engaging manner,” as key qualifications for the position.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Paul M. Thompson, Trial, White-Collar & Securities Defense
“Third Circuit Upholds Amgen Dismissal”
Global Competition Review, June 15, 2011
Raymond Jacobsen, Bobby Burchfield, Jon Dubrow and William Diaz were noted as counsel to Amgen, Inc. in securing the Third Circuit Court’s affirmation of a lower court ruling that dismissed a potential class action antitrust lawsuit brought by a hospital on behalf of a potential class of plaintiffs.
Bobby R. Burchfield, William Diaz, Jon B. Dubrow, Raymond A. Jacobsen Jr., Antitrust & Competition, Trial
“3rd Circ. Affirms Dismissal of Amgen Tying Suit”
Law360, June 14, 2011
Bobby Burchfield, Jon Dubrow, David Hanselman, Raymond Jacobsen, William Diaz and Lincoln Mayer are listed as McDermott co-counsel in defense of Amgen in a Third Circuit ruling that held a Pennsylvania hospital lacked standing to represent a class of drug purchasers in allegations of federal antitrust law violation against the company.
Bobby R. Burchfield, William Diaz, Jon B. Dubrow, David L. Hanselman Jr., Raymond A. Jacobsen Jr., Lincoln Mayer, Antitrust & Competition, Trial
“Q&A with McDermott’s Bobby Burchfield”
Law360, May 23, 2011
Bobby Burchfield called handling the Republican National Committee’s Supreme Court challenge to the McCain-Feingold law his “most challenging and interesting matter” because of its “difficult constitutional issues, the superior lawyering for all parties, the media attention and the political overlay.” In such complex disputes Mr. Burchfield said his “objective is to know more about a case than anyone else in the courtroom. But my most important responsibility is to stay focused on the key facts and issues without being overwhelmed by details.” After a major case is over, he stressed “staying in contact with former clients and their counsel, so that I and my firm remain ‘top of mind’ for future assignments.”
“Law Firms Are Finally Seeing a Bump in Demand for Their Services, But It’s Coupled with Another New Demand: Change”
Washington Business Journal, May 13, 2011
Bobby Burchfield said that “it remains to be seen” whether pressure from clients on all law firms for reduced or alternative fees, “is a true paradigm shift or a temporary blink on the radar screen,” adding: “I suspect it will be more than a temporary blip.” Mr. Burchfield noted that about 15% of McDermott’s revenue involves non-traditional billing arrangements.
“Legally Speaking: Bobby Burchfield”
Washingtonian, May 3, 2011
Bobby Burchfield was profiled concerning his experience managing legal issues related to election fundraising and advertising, including his work on the 2000 Bush-Gore recount. Mr. Burchfield observed of the Washington scene that “most organizations -- including this law firm -- try to be nonpartisan. We try to host events for candidates on both sides of the aisle.” He added his belief that, so long as legal requirements are observed, political fundraising is “a good thing for law firms to do, both because we are running into officeholders all the time and we have a government relations practice here. And it’s a good thing to do for democracy, because elections cost money.”
Bobby R. Burchfield, Government Strategies, Trial
2010
“Election Lawyers Get Ready for the Day After”
Blog of Legal Times, November 1, 2010
Bobby Burchfield, assessing the mid-term 2010 elections, said, “It’s become somewhat too commonplace for elections to end up in recounts, so we can’t rule out the possibility of recount litigation” in close contests. He added that McDermott is “focused on gubernatorial and statewide Senate races” in representation related to the election.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elections & Political Law, Trial
"McDermott Will Signs Up For New Digs"
The National Law Journal, October 18, 2010
Bobby Burchfield was quoted concerning McDermott’s letter of intent to move its Washington, D.C. office to a new location in what the publication called “one of the largest private sector real estate deals of 2010.” Mr. Burchfield, co-managing partner of the office, said the Firm was attracted to the idea of “being able to brand the building as ‘The McDermott Building.’”
“McDermott Will & Emery moving to building near U.S. Capitol”
The Washington Post, October 11, 2010
Bobby Burchfield was quoted concerning the November 2012 move of McDermott’s D.C. office to a newly renovated building near the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Burchfield called the new office “a very ‘Washington’ location for a law firm. It’s within walking distance of the Supreme Court, the federal courthouse, the tax court, the SEC. It’s very convenient for many of the practices we have.” The facility will be redesigned for the latest requirements of technology and practice economics, and Mr. Burchfield said it would allow the Firm’s D.C. presence, with 400-plus lawyers and staff, to “grow nicely and aggressively” over the next decade. The story was also carried by Blog of Legal Times, Washington Bisnow and Washington Business Journal.
Bobby Burchfield discussed for The Hill’s Pundits Blog (February 8) the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which overturned a portions of the McCain-Feingold law banning corporate advocacy ads before federal elections. Citing “the self-evident point that the First Amendment does not distinguish among speakers,” Mr. Burchfield supported the view that corporate advocacy is a legitimate form of political commentary. “[I]t makes no sense for Fox Broadcasting, the Washington Post Company, or other major media to have the right to editorialize, endorse or attack candidates on Election Eve, while the National Rifle Association, NARAL or even Exxon cannot,” he stated.
2009
Bobby Burchfield was quoted by the New Jersey Law Journal on December 7 concerning a federal judge’s ruling that modifies a consent decree that has limited ballot security and poll-watching activities around the country, and that sets a date eight years from now to end the decree. Mr. Burchfield, who represents the Republican National Committee in seeking to have the decree vacated, called the ruling “a step in the right direction” but said that an appeal is a “distinct possibility,” adding that his client will continue to seek a “truly level playing field with the DNC [Democratic National Committee] in terms of election day activities.”
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elections & Political Law, Trial
Bobby Burchfield was quoted by the National Law Journal on November 16 concerning the appointment of Robert Bauer to be White House Counsel. Mr. Burchfield, who opposed Mr. Bauer in Bush v. Gore and other cases over the years, called him “quite a capable attorney. I don’t always agree with him. But I do respect him, and I believe he’s very able.”
2008
Washington, D.C., trial lawyer Bobby Burchfield was quoted on October 13 in the Legal Times regarding the lawyers in New York and D.C. being called to represent executives and companies involved in the economic crisis. Mr. Burchfield expect the white-collar work to increase as more companies are investigated. "The expertise is located in Washington and will be incredibly valuable to these senior executives," said Mr. Burchfield. He continued, "You need a sophisticated, wise attorney to walk you through the pros and cons of testifying to Congress, and to achieve both goals: not being indicted and not damaging your reputations. It's a difficult balance."
Bobby R. Burchfield, Markets Restructuring, Trial, White-Collar & Securities Defense
Bobby R. Burchfield was quoted in the June/July issue of Worth in an article regarding how wealthy citizens who choose public service careers must structure their finances in ways that are solid yet completely transparent. Mr. Burchfield noted that to avoid financial conflicts of interest, those holding public office can recuse themselves from votes or official business that may impact their financial holdings. "The rules say, 'Have you voted or acted on a matter that you reasonably expect to provide to you or someone in your family the prospect of personal gain?' I tell clients that just living up to the letter of the law is not enough. If you’re going to avoid controversy, you have to be cognizant of not just the law but the prevailing standards of ethics within the political community and within the media community," he said.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elections & Political Law, Trial
2007
The Washingtonian released its fifth list of "Big Guns" in the December 2007 issue. The Washingtonian selects "Big Guns" based on peer recommendations and follow-up interviews. The following McDermott lawyers were named "Big Guns": Bobby R. Burchfield, Joel M. Freed and Blake D. Rubin.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Joel M. Freed, Blake D. Rubin, Intellectual Property, Tax, Trial
Bobby R. Burchfield was quoted in the October issue of Washington Lawyer regarding whether there should be a reform in the electoral system as the nation prepares for the 2008 presidential election. Mr. Burchfield commented on his support of the electoral college and why changing to national direct elections may not be the answer. "It doesn't persuade me that the system is bad, to say that sometimes the system produces a result that a different system would produce differently," he stated. Mr. Burchfield further commented on the shift that would result if national direct elections for presidential campaigns became the standard. "The popular vote would tend to push candidates into population centers. They would have to go where the people are rather than allocate their campaigns throughout the country," he said.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elections & Political Law, Trial
Bobby Burchfield was quoted in the Bar Talk column of the January American Lawyer in regard to the Federalist Society Ball in November.
2006
On November 13, Bobby Burchfield was mentioned in an Associated Press story that appeared in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, regarding the announcement of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, Inc. Mr. Burchfield was listed on the paperwork as the attorney advising Giuliani.
Bobby R. Burchfield, Elections & Political Law, Trial
Michael Anthony, Bobby Burchfield, Gordon Greenberg, Christopher Jedrey, Ray Lupo, Terry McMahon, Michael Pope, Richard Smith and Jeffrey Stone will be recognized in the fall edition of Lawdragon magazine on its annual survey of the top 500 lawyers in the United States, the Lawdragon 500.
Michael F. Anthony, Bobby R. Burchfield, Gordon A. Greenberg, Christopher M. Jedrey, Raphael V. Lupo, Terrence P. McMahon, Michael A. Pope PC, Richard W. Smith, Jeffrey E. Stone, Corporate, Health, Intellectual Property, Trial
2005
Bobby Burchfield was listed in the inaugural issue (October 2005) of Law Dragon, a new national legal publication, among the top 500 lawyers in the United States, which represents less than one percent of the lawyer population.
Bobby Burchfield was listed among the Greater Washington Legal Elite in the August issue of Washington Smart CEO. The magazine contacted thousands of lawyers in the Washington, D.C. area asking them to assess their peers and colleagues and nominate those whom they believe to be among the top Washington, D.C. attorneys.
