Alisha Burgin
Partner (Los Angeles) – Perkins Coie

Description of field of expertise

Alisha Burgin represents companies and individuals in high-stakes commercial litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. Her practice focuses on all phases of complex commercial disputes, unfair competition and consumer protection, and trade secret litigation.  Alisha’s probing investigative skills and compelling written advocacy have facilitated many favorable settlements for her clients. 

A litigator who can handle nearly any dispute thrown her way, Alisha has obtained dispositive rulings for clients at early stages of litigation, including a grant of a motion to dismiss with prejudice in a false labeling class action brought in the U.S. District Court for the Southern  District of New York. She has secured summary judgment for several clients, including once on the eve of trial. 

Alisha has managed all stages of litigation—handling motion practice and discovery (including taking and defending depositions), briefing and arguing dispositive motions, mediation and/or trial, and appeals. She represents clients in a range of industries, including technology and internet services, media and entertainment, real estate, consumer products, and manufacturing.  Although she is an “anywhere” lawyer, capable of quickly grasping the nuances of law, practice,  and procedure in any jurisdiction, Alisha has mastered California procedure and has extensive experience in the state’s trial and appellate courts. 

An engaged citizen at Perkins Coie and beyond, Alisha has served for the past five years as the co-chair of the Women of Color resource group at Perkins Coie, building an inclusive and intersectional community and supporting women lawyers of color. She is also an active member of several firm committees and is dedicated to creating a pipeline for diverse lawyers, as demonstrated by her service on the National Alumni Advisory Committee of the National Black Law Students Association. Alisha is active in several local bar associations and is seeking to grow her visibility in the Los Angeles legal community. 

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Be curious. Take a variety of different cases presenting challenging legal questions. Try to get on a case from the very beginning, so you have insight into the full litigation process. Raise your hand for opportunities to stand up in court, to take the lead on drafting a motion, to develop case strategy. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Preparation sharpens your legal skills, ensures you know your case inside out, and increases your confidence. If you’re adequately prepared, you should push imposter syndrome aside (you should push imposter syndrome aside regardless). Work hard to develop your legal skills, but don’t ignore networking. Relationships are essential to mentoring,  skills development, and later in your career, business development. Give it your all, but don’t forget to prioritize your health and personal relationships. And have fun!