Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is pleased to announce the promotion of eight exceptional attorneys to Partner, effective Feb 4, 2026. These accomplished lawyers reflect the continued growth of our Labor and Employment and Litigation practices across California, underscoring the firm’s enduring commitment to excellence, superior client service, and leadership within the legal community. Burke Managing Partner John J. Welsh shared, “Our newest Partners have distinguished themselves through their skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We are proud to welcome them into the partnership and look forward to their continued contributions to the firm’s growth and success.”

These promotions reflect Burke, Williams & Sorensen’s ongoing investment in talented attorneys who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving the firm’s diverse client base.

The newly elevated Partners include:

2026 Partner Class

Colleen L. Cleary

Litigation – San Jose Office

Colleen has demonstrated exceptional advocacy and strategic insight in complex litigation matters, earning respect from clients and colleagues alike.

Kathya M. Firlik

Labor & Employment – Orange County Office

Kathya’s deep understanding of transactional employment law and labor negotiations along with her commitment to guiding clients through evolving workplace issues have made her an indispensable member of the firm.

Allison B. Hernandez

Labor & Employment – Oakland Office

Allison is recognized for her strong labor negotiations skills and her ability to deliver practical, effective solutions in labor and employment matters.

Caylin W. Jones

Litigation – Los Angeles Office

Caylin brings thoughtful analysis and a client-focused approach to her litigation practice, consistently achieving positive outcomes in challenging cases.

Elaine Kobylecki

Litigation – San Diego Office

Elaine’s experience and dedication to effective advocacy have made her a trusted advisor for clients across a wide range of litigation matters.

Donald V. Le

Labor & Employment – Los Angeles Office

Donald is known for his comprehensive knowledge of employment law and his skill in labor negotiations as well as navigating complex disputes with clarity and precision.

Zachery A. Lopes

Labor & Employment – Los Angeles Office

Zachery has built a strong reputation for his counsel on employment compliance, labor negotiations, and workplace risk management.

Deann R. Rivard

Litigation – Los Angeles Office

Deann’s strategic litigation skills and steadfast client support have played a key role in the success of the firm’s Los Angeles litigation team.

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is a California limited liability law partnership with 197 member attorneys. Our mission is to provide clients with creative, results oriented, and cost effective legal services within the complex environment in which they function. We view ourselves as problem solvers and legal strategists, not simply compliance monitors and reciters of the law. Burke has nine practice groups: Public Law; Labor and Employment Law; Litigation; Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation; Construction Law; Environmental, Land Use, Insurance Coverage and Litigation; Natural Resources; Real Estate and Business Law and Education Law. Each practice focuses on the professional development of member attorneys and on providing advisory services tailored to the needs of both public and private clients. With regional offices in Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Marin County, Oakland, Orange County, Palm Desert, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Ventura County, as well with the added support of advanced communications technology, Burke can easily be where our California situated clients need us to be. For more information, please visit www.bwslaw.com and https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-williams-&-sorensen/about/?viewAsMember=true

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