Kathleen Ceglarski Burns is a partner in the Litigation department who concentrates her practice on complex commercial disputes and government investigations. Kathleen has broad experience handling all phases of civil litigation, from pre-suit demands through trial and the appellate process. She also regularly guides clients through internal investigations, SEC enforcement actions and inquiries conducted by the Department of Justice and other governmental agencies. Kathleen is active in the firm’s Women’s Resource Group, and is recognized as a trusted advisor who takes an efficient, business-focused approach to solving clients’ problems. She serves as co-managing partner of the Boston office.
I help clients solve their business problems. Oftentimes, I work with clients to resolve disputes without going to court. When litigation is necessary to achieve a client’s goals, I provide efficient and effective strategic representation. I have successfully represented clients in connection with a wide range of issues, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, Chapter 93A violations, valuation disputes, breach of partnership agreements and ownership and control disputes.
I have a particular focus on issues affecting investors, including private investment partnerships, financial institutions and their officers and directors. For example, I regularly assist tax credit investors in resolving partnership disputes, valuation issues and compliance matters.
I advocate for individual and corporate clients facing investigations and enforcement actions brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and state regulatory agencies. I guide clients through the process of responding to subpoenas and civil investigative demands (CIDs), providing testimony, preparing Wells notices, negotiating settlements and, if necessary, litigating against the SEC. I routinely advise clients in connection with investigations concerning alleged insider trading, disclosure violations, securities fraud, False Claims Act violations, anti-kickback claims and other corporate governance matters. I focus on protecting my clients’ interests and minimizing the exposure of individuals and companies through all phases of government investigations, and I provide business-focused advice to help clients minimize future risk.
While the administration has suggested that regulation will decrease, I continue to see aggressive enforcement tactics from the SEC and Department of Justice, and I expect that financial services companies will continue to face scrutiny from the government and potential plaintiffs.
The Boston Globe | April 29, 2020
This article, which looks at the potential flood of litigation as the economy reopens, quotes Boston co-office managing partner and Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kathleen Ceglarski Burns on the possibility of shareholder lawsuits at publicly-traded companies, even if companies have listed the coronavirus as a risk factor in their annual reports.
Reuters | March 26, 2020
Boston co-office managing partner Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, a partner in the Complex Commercial Disputes group, provides insight on a possible uptick in SEC enforcement activity in the wake of the coronavirus crisis and the new federal stimulus package.
Law360 | March 25, 2020
Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, of Boston, and Litigation Department chair Scott O’Connell, of Manchester, discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the near-freeze on Massachusetts court proceedings during social distancing in the commonwealth.
Law360 | January 14, 2020
This roundup of attorneys promoted to firm management in the fourth quarter of 2019 features Boston Office Co-Managing Partners Kathleen Ceglarski Burns and Chris Froeb.
Reuters Legal | November 12, 2019
This roundup of personnel moves in the legal industry highlights the promotions of Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kathleen Ceglarski Burns and Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Chris Froeb to co-OMPs of the Boston office.
The Boston Globe | June 13, 2019
In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios.
American Lawyer “Litigation Daily” | June 13, 2019
Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios.
The Bond Buyer | June 12, 2019
In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable district court decision for Nixon Peabody’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios. The team on this matter also included partners Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, Stephen LaRose and Steven Richard, associate Charles Dell’Anno and paralegal Kanda Faye.
The Providence Journal | June 12, 2019
In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios. The NP team on this matter also included partners Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, Stephen LaRose and Steven Richard, associate Charles Dell’Anno and paralegal Kanda Faye.
Law360 | May 31, 2019
In this Q&A, Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kathleen Ceglarski Burns discusses her legal career and path to partnership.
Best of Both Worlds Podcast | November 26, 2018
Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kathleen Burns was a guest on the Best of Both Worlds podcast, discussing her experience as a working attorney with four children and highlighting Nixon Peabody’s many family-friendly policies.
Northeastern University, J.D.
Boston College, cum laude
Massachusetts
Kathleen was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 in the field of Commercial Litigation.
Kathleen is a member of the Women’s Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Boston Bar Association.