Profile photo of Paul Burns, Esq.

Paul Burns, Esq.

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
San Francisco, CA, United States

About

With over three decades of legal practice, this neutral transitioned to a full-time dispute resolution career after serving as a lead trial counsel in high-stakes intellectual property and technology litigation. His background includes handling complex disputes involving patents, trademarks, and trade secrets across various industries such as biotechnology, semiconductors, and software. He has presided over numerous mediations and arbitrations, focusing on resolving multi-party commercial conflicts and technical legal issues.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Entertainment & Media Healthcare & Life Sciences Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

JAMS (Mediator
Arbitrator
and Special Master)
Steptoe & Johnson LLP (Partner)
IFRAH Law (Partner)
Procopio
Cory
Hargreaves & Savitch LLP (Partner)
Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft (Partner)

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent speaker on intellectual property mediation strategies at national legal conferences
  • Author of various articles regarding trade secret protection and patent litigation trends
  • Panelist for discussions on the impact of AI on copyright law
  • Served as Chair of local bar association intellectual property committees

Positioning Takeaways

A seasoned intellectual property litigator turned neutral, he offers specialized expertise in technical disputes and patent law for parties seeking a mediator with a strong trial background.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California
  • State Bar of Arizona
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Education

J.D.
University of Arizona College of Law
B.S.
University of Arizona

Distinction

Registered Patent Attorney with the USPTO, combining deep technical knowledge with extensive trial experience in federal courts.

Reputation

He is regarded by legal professionals as a highly prepared and persistent neutral who excels at navigating the technical nuances of patent and technology-driven disputes.