William H. Bill Burgess

Litigation - Patent

4.0 (1 reviews)

Washington, District of Columbia

20+ years experience

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

202-389-5000

https://www.kirkland.com/lawyers/b/burgess-william-h

1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

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Bio

Bill Burgess’ practice focuses on appellate litigation across a broad range of subject matter, including patent litigation, commercial litigation, and regulatory matters. He has argued appeals in most of the United States courts of appeals, including several in the Federal Circuit. He has been to trial several times, joining trial teams to brief dispositive motions or prepare for appeals, and has also practiced before agencies such as the Patent & Trademark Office, International Trade Commission, and EPA.Before joining Kirkland, Bill was a law clerk to Judge Walter K. Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and Judge William C. Bryson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Before joining Kirkland, Bill was a law clerk to Judge Walter K. Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and Judge William C. Bryson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Practice Areas

Litigation - Patent

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Litigation - Patent
Practice Area: Appellate Practice
Practice Area: Commercial Litigation

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023

Education

University of Pennsylvania, J.D., graduated 2005
Dartmouth College, B.E., Electrical Engineering, graduated 2002
Dartmouth College, B.A., Engineering Sciences & French, graduated 2001

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Reviews

Brenda Miller

2 weeks ago

Exceptional appellate advocate with deep technical insight

Our company engaged Bill Burgess to handle a complex appeal following an adverse patent infringement ruling in district court. His dual background in electrical engineering and law was immediately apparent and invaluable; he could dissect the technical nuances of our software patent in a way that resonated perfectly with the Federal Circuit. His track record, including recognition in patent litigation, is well-earned. Bill crafted a compelling narrative that reframed the core legal arguments, and his preparation for oral argument was meticulous. We were extremely pleased with the outcome. The only minor critique would be that, given his undoubtedly high demand, initial response times to non-urgent emails could occasionally be a day slower than ideal. That aside, his strategic guidance and advocacy are top-tier. For any high-stakes appellate matter, especially with a technical component, Bill is an outstanding choice.