Member Spotlight: Juliet Burgess of The Burgess Law Group
Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…
Photo by Leland Gebhardt Photography
Ahead of co-chairing the Arizona Foundation for Women’s Silver Soirée, Juliet Burgess, founding attorney of The Burgess Law Group, chats with The Scout Guide Phoenix. The Burgess Law Group is a boutique law firm providing specialized legal advice on corporate restructuring, commercial bankruptcy, loan enforcement, and employment law matters. A wonderful local business resource, The Burgess Law Group works with businesses of all sizes across all industries to help tackle daily and large-scale issues. Read on to learn about their founder, Juliet Burgess, and their unique approach.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale! To kick off our chat, we’d like to hear what inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap…
Member: response in italics
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale:
Juliet Burgess: Thrilled to be a part of the community! Before starting The Burgess Law Group, I practiced at leading international law firms, representing employers from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. But, when my daughter was born, it was important to me to leave the security of large law firms to find a meaningful balance. And so, The Burgess Law Group was born.
Photo by Leland Gebhardt Photography
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Burgess Law Group is truly a modern enterprise. Can you share some of the ways in which your practice continues to evolve with your clients and your community?
Juliet Burgess: Our niche practice allows us to learn how our clients operate and then tailor creative, realistic legal solutions specific to their needs. Because of our size, we are accessible, trusted members of their team, available to help them navigate day-to-day and long-term legal issues. Ultimately, our goal of developing meaningful collaborations with local businesses informs the way we practice and operate.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What informs your work as the founding attorney of The Burgess Law Group?
Juliet Burgess: Growing up, I was a competitive rhythmic gymnast. After a particularly difficult competition, my dad said, “Jules, keep working hard, and your time will come.” He was right. I worked harder than anyone in my gym and eventually won gold medals at the state, regional, and national levels. Following that advice in the practice of law and life has served me well. I firmly believe that no matter the goal, believing in yourself, working hard, and being ambitious will always help you succeed. I also embrace the motto, “have courage and be kind.” To me, having the courage to take risks and always treating others (and yourself) with kindness are invaluable skills in the ever-changing fast past world we live in. I’m proud that the hard work I have put into building The Burgess Law Group has helped the firm evolve into what it is today. And I know that if we keep working hard and being kind and courageous members of the Phoenix and Scottsdale community, we will continue to do amazing things together.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the most fulfilling part of leading The Burgess Law Group?
Juliet Burgess: I love collaborating with leadership and human resources during their strategy sessions. I know my clients appreciate that I’m a business owner like them, and can therefore provide advice grounded in the law, as well as personal experience of operating a Phoenix-based business. I find that using this personal experience to help clients navigate and solve delicate workplace issues from a legal and human standpoint is deeply meaningful.
“Phoenix is one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country and it’s exciting to shape the business community together from the ground up.”
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: There’s definitely a level of understanding that fellow small businesses owners share, even more so when they work in the same community. Can you share what you love about working in the Valley community?
Juliet Burgess: Phoenix is one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country and it’s exciting to shape the business community together from the ground up. And there are so many entrepreneurs and artists bringing fresh, creative ideas to our community!
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk more about Phoenix & Scottsdale. What do you love about living in the Valley?
Juliet Burgess: All of the entrepreneurs and artists bringing fresh, creative ideas to our community!
“When women support each other – whether it is in law, business, or life – we can all accomplish more than we can alone.”
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the best way to show off the Valley to an out-of-town visitor?
Juliet Burgess: Great question! I’d start by taking them to one of the many unique natural features of the Valley, like Camelback Mountain, Sedona, or the Desert Botanical Garden. After refueling with a Havana Latte from La Grande Orange in Arcadia, we’d visit the Farmer’s Market in Old Town, as well as a few of my favorite local businesses around town: urbAna, Mae & Marie, The Paper Place, and Silver & Sage Jewelry to name a few! Following our shopping, we’d explore the Phoenix Art Museum and take a drive to view the iconic architecture of the Burton Barr Central Library, stopping by our offices at 32nd & Camelback. To finish the day: happy hour at the Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley!
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’ve named some of our favorites, too! Speaking of favorites, are there any local charities near and dear to your heart?
Juliet Burgess: So many!! We are proud to support many non-profit organizations throughout the valley including New Song Center for Grieving Children, The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, and The Scottsdale Charros Foundation. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for The Arizona Foundation for Women, The Arizona Women Lawyers Association, and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. I am also a proud member of the Arizona Costume Institute and Co-Leader of my daughter’s Girl Scouts troop at Phoenix Country Day School.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We understand you are Co-Chairing a special event celebrating 25 years of support for Arizona & women. Tell us how you got involved with Arizona Foundation for Women and details about this upcoming celebration.
Juliet Burgess: When I reflect on each chapter in my personal life and professional career, I am grateful for the support, connections, and inspiration other women showed me. I firmly believe that when women support each other – whether it’s in law, business, or life – we can all accomplish more than we can alone. When I learned about the Arizona Foundation for Women, I was drawn to its mission, which is rooted in improving safety, health, and economic independence for Arizona women. I am incredibly proud to serve on their Board of Directors and as a Champion for their SheLeads® program. I am also honored to be co-chairing the organization’s 25th Anniversary Silver Soiree with the incredible Brooke Levy and renowned philanthropist Billy Jo Herberger. On Thursday, March 17th, we will enjoy a spectacular evening of live music, dancing, and cocktails in honor of champions for women. Arizona Foundation for Women’s Silver Soirée will feature some of the most iconic names in music, art, and philanthropy– including four-time Grammy award winner and Queen of Percussion Sheila E. is this year’s Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Best of all, every dollar raised will go directly to the women in our state who need it most.
Want to attend or sponsor? Know someone else who would enjoy a night of celebration and entertainment while improving the lives of Arizona’s women? Click here for more information and to purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships.
