The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on contracts and commercial  leases, preventing or slowing performance and upending the expectations of contracting parties. In many cases both parties have suffered losses. There are many pathways to settlement in these matters which can be resolved by applying principles in the doctrines of force majeure, impossibility, impracticability, commercial frustration of purpose, and material adverse change or effect clauses. A PDF copy of this article can be…

This profile of me appeared recently in the Daily Journal, the California statewide legal newspaper. It was an honor to read the kind words from the extraordinary counsel with whom I have worked in past mediations. A PDF copy of the article can be found at this link and attached: https://buff.ly/2zHZxP0 . Frank Burke, Esq. Mediator | Arbitrator ADR Services, Inc. – Your Partner in Resolution fburke@adrservices.com Scheduling: 415-772-0900 | Cell: 650-804-8300 Case Manager: katy@adrservices.com http://www.adrservices.com/neutrals/burke-frank/…

Please join us for the upcoming Santa Clara County Bar Association Zoom seminar on COVID-19 and Its Impact on Enforcement or Excuse of Contract Performance in Commercial Contracts, Construction Projects, Real Estate Development Projects and Financial Transactions on June 30, 2020 from 12-1 pm. As Co-Chair of the SCCBA Real Property and Business Law Section, I will moderate the program which will feature two top Silicon Valley business and real estate trial lawyers: Richard O…

Please join us for the upcoming Santa Clara County Bar Association Zoom seminar on Tips and Tactics in Deposing and Defending Business Representatives on May 19, 2020 from 12-2 pm. As Co-Chair of the SCCBA Real Property and Business Law Section, I will moderate the program which will feature three top Silicon Valley trial lawyers: Sarju Naran of Hoge Fenton, Vince Parrett of Bergeson, and Elizabeth Pipkin of McManis Faulkner. The panel has considerable experience…

By using Zoom online videoconferencing for mediation or arbitration sessions, ADR providers can allay any concerns you may have related to traveling or meeting in person , in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We hope this article finds you well, and in good health. At ADR Services, Inc., it is our goal to meet the needs of our clients and truly serve as a Partner in Resolution. With this in mind, if you or…

Please join us for the national webcast of “Effective Mediation and Settlement of Commercial Real Estate Disputes” on September 19, 2019 from 12-2 p.m. PST,  co-sponsored by the California Lawyers Association and the Santa Clara County Bar Association. You may register at the following link: https://buff.ly/30uy3o9 It will also be presented live at the SCCBA Seminar & Conference Center in San Jose, CA, and will be available On Demand thereafter. I am serving as the…

Technology companies have choices to make at various phases of the mediation process for patent and trade secret cases. Part 2 of the article focuses on: making the most of pre-hearing conferences and oral presentations at the mediation; making a strategic opening offer; planning settlement moves, avoiding or breaking impasse and closing the deal; planning ahead for the settlement agreement and monetary payments; and planning ahead for potential licensing terms, business relationships and equitable remedies. Make…