William J. Burton

William Burton learned the value of connecting and developing relationships early on, from observing that about his father’s hands-on management style with clients. Both naturally competitive and approachable, William brings his honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic to his business litigation clients – in advising on virtually all aspects of Delaware General Corporation Law, and the governance of Delaware business entities.

William regularly litigates issues related to breach of fiduciary duties, shareholder and corporate governance disputes, valuation and appraisal law, and other corporate and commercial litigation issues, on behalf of corporations, directors, officers, members, partners, investors and stockholders. While his practice is primarily focused in the Court of Chancery, he also represents clients in other state and federal courts, including the Delaware Superior Court, the Federal District Court for the District of Delaware and the Delaware Supreme Court.

Having been involved in the largest appraisal case in the Delaware Court of Chancery, William understands what is at stake for his clients. As such, he is a staunch advocate, whether drafting briefs, in the midst of depositions or arguing on their behalf in court.

William also has experience assisting clients with white collar criminal defense including conducting internal investigations, responding to subpoenas for documents and testimony, cooperating with ongoing investigations, and making presentations to the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to his practice, William is dedicated to pro bono work particularly in cases involving prisoners' rights.

Beyond his clerkship for the Hon. M. Jane Brady in the Delaware Superior Court, William interned for the Hon. Chief Magistrate Judge Mary Pat Thynge of the Federal District Court for the District of Delaware and was a Josiah Oliver Wolcott Fellow to the Hon. Karen L. Valihura of the Delaware Supreme Court.

During law school, William served as the American Bar Association Model Business Corporation Act Fellow. In that role he performed research on corporate laws throughout the country for Prof. Lawrence A. Hamermesh, the reporter for the ABA Corporate Laws Committee, a well-known professor and former Delaware practitioner.