Edward D. Burke, Sr., Esq. (Senior Law Partner)

Edward D. Burke, Sr. is an outstanding and respected lawyer have been elected a Southampton Town Justice in 1993, 1997, 2000, 2007 and 2011.  In August of 2000, he was appointed as New York State Court of Claims Judge and assigned to the Supreme Court Bench in Riverhead, where he earned the respect and trust of his colleagues and the public through his fair and wise administration of justice.  Mr. Burke has returned to the practice of law, to which he was admitted in 1970.  Following graduation from Chaminade High School, he attained his undergraduate and law degrees from St. John’s University, School of Law.  The law firm of Burke & Sullivan was originally established in Valley Stream (1970-1980), relocated to Riverhead (1980-1985) and then established in Southampton (1985 to Present) and has continuously maintained a loyal client base in Nassau and Suffolk counties.  The sum total of life’s experiences: service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; a structural ironworker in Union Local 40; a practicing attorney since 1970; a local businessman; a parent of three attorneys and a grandfather of six, Mr. Burke has the experience to manage all aspects of a law practice, concentrating in the Townships of Southampton and East Hampton.

Denise Burke O’Brien, Esq. (Partner)

“We know what questions to ask. We know the problems that are indigenous to the east end. When you want a local attorney, someone who knows the lay of the land, someone who has been practicing out here for over 24 years, you call Burke & Sullivan.” — Denise Burke O’Brien.

The daughter of Edward Burke Sr., Denise Burke O’Brien grew up in Southampton Town. After attending Mercy High School in Riverhead, she graduated from Providence College in 1985 with a BS degree, and in 1988, she received her law degree from St. John’s University.  She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1989 and is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District.

Ms. Burke O’Brien began her law career as a Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead in February 1989.  She held that position through April 1994 when she left to join the law firm of Burke & Sullivan.  Ms. Burke O’Brien’s area of professional practice is in real estate matters with an emphasis on zoning and the purchase, sale and leasing of residential property.  Her familiarity with and knowledge of the various agencies that regulate the development process at the local government level allows Ms. Burke O’Brien to work with them in an efficient manner.

Ms. Burke O’Brien served as chairwoman of the Architectural Review Board for the Town of Southampton from January 1996 through December 2004.  Thereafter, she was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Southampton in January 2005 and held that position until December 2015.

Joseph M. Burke, Esq. (Partner)

“I live year-round in Sag Harbor. I understand the law from the point of view of a local homeowner. I ‘m well versed in the details of town laws, thereby making it easier for the homeowner or purchaser. I’m familiar with the little nuances that can cause huge headaches for people when they are going to sell their house. I understand Hamptons real estate, land use and permitting issues, and have made those specific areas my practice.” Joseph Burke.

Joseph M. Burke Esq. served for six years as an Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Southampton and presently is a member of the Southampton Town Architectural Review Board. During his tenure as an Assistant Town Attorney, his duties included representing various municipal boards, such as the Planning Board and the Licensing Review Board, in addition to drafting and presenting Town Code amendments. Mr. Burke is also highly regarded in the area of securing special event permits for various fundraisers held within Southampton Town. These years at the Town gave Mr. Burke an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Town government.

The youngest son of Edward Burke Sr., Joseph Burke was born and raised in the Town of Southampton. After graduating Pierson High School in Sag Harbor, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Emerson College in Boston, MA in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism. After a year working at CBS News Productions, Mr. Burke entered New York Law School where he graduated in 2005. Mr. Burke was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 2006.