Burdick Law PLLC Moves to State Capital and Resumes Taking New Clients!

The last year has been a whirlwind. First, my family and I spent five months traveling around the Southwestern United States, visiting national and state parks, lakes, caves, mountains, and redwood forests. My daughter, who turned 3 years old on the road, effectively had a half a year of dad-driven preschool, which we spent learning—together—about the incredible variety of plants, animals, and minerals we could see on our hikes. That was followed by a 5-month stay with friends outside of Washington, D.C., during which we visited museums, immense Federal buildings, coffee shops, and, of course, the creek behind the house, where my daughter practiced skipping rocks.

That focus on my family, and my commitment to caring for my daughter while traveling, has largely required me to decline to take on new clients for the last year. It was a simple choice: to trade away significant income and career development, in exchange for play time with a 2-3 year old. Having done it, it was worth it, as I knew it would be. How many times have we heard people say, towards the end of their lives, that they regret not having spent more time with their children? And how often do they say that they regret not having spent more time in the office?

Of course, I never entirely stepped away from the practice of law; I simply maintained a very low case load. From our RV, I successfully represented claimants in two virtual unemployment hearings, saving them from having to repay thousands of dollars of benefits; negotiated a settlement agreement solidifying and guaranteeing my client's work accommodations; advised a client navigating the transfer of a case between two federal courts; and, in collaboration with my colleagues at Abdo & O'Brien, briefed a number of workers' compensation hearings, obtaining excellent results for injured workers. One beautiful aspect of being a solo practitioner in the Internet age is that most of the work can be done from anywhere, especially where the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and Workers' Compensation Board are holding hearings exclusively virtually. (That's why I'm able to represent claimants regardless of where they live in New York State!)

But now, our year of traveling has come to an end. We've resettled outside of Albany, and my daughter has begun preschool. I can't wait to see her continue to grow and develop, now in the company of other children her age—and with a year full of stories to share with them.

And I can't wait to rededicate my time to representing the hardworking people of New York. From my new office in downtown Albany—just around the corner from the federal courthouse—Burdick Law PLLC is ready to once again accept new clients. What can I do for you?

Unemployment. My firm is one of very few firms in this state dedicated to providing representation to claimants in unemployment insurance cases. I look forward to assisting workers who have been unfairly denied benefits—or worse, ordered to pay back benefits they already received. The initial consultation is free in unemployment cases, and if I agree to represent you, you pay only if you win. (I do typically require a deposit, which is refundable in the event you don't win.).

Discrimination. I've successfully represented clients in disability discrimination and sexual harassment cases, obtaining both monetary settlements and guarantees of accommodations. I'm not afraid to go to trial when necessary. You don't have to put up with it any more. Call to discuss your case today.

Wage and hour. Are you working more than 40 hours a week as a salaried employee, even though you're doing the exact same kind of work as when you were paid hourly? Management might have called it a "promotion"—but the Fair Labor Standards Act calls it misclassification, and it's a form of wage theft. Underpaid, late-paid or unpaid wages, stolen tips, overtime violations—all of these can mean you're entitled to more than what you got. Don't wait, let us help you.

Employment contract review. A contract is a legally binding document, and it's important to know what you're agreeing to. Before you sign anything—whether it's a new employment contract or a severance agreement—make sure you understand the terms, as well as your legal alternatives. Employers often use severance agreements to insulate themselves from liability; if you have a serious claim, don't give it up for less than it's worth! You should always take the time to discuss with a lawyer before you sign away your rights.

Workers' compensation. I regularly collaborate with Abdo & O'Brien, a Syracuse law firm, to represent injured workers before the Workers' Compensation Board. Insurance carriers make money by not paying claims. The compensation system is supposed to work for you; let us help make that a reality.

Noncompete/nondisclosure defense. Employers often use restrictive clauses in their contracts to punish you after you've left. If you've been hit with a demand letter or a cease & desist, it's critical to learn about your legal rights, your risks, and your options. Burdick Law PLLC only represents employees, never employers in noncompete and nondisclosure disputes. Protect your livelihood and fight back.

Something else? Don't see it here? Ask!

Burdick Law PLLC is located at 41 State Street, Suite 604-08 in downtown Albany. I'm currently conducting consultations remotely while I heal from knee surgery (I said it was an eventful year!) but expect to welcome you into the office in early 2026. I look forward to serving you.