Overview

An established and expanding regional law firm, Phillips Burgess focuses its practice primarily on real estate, land use, and environmental law. Real estate is at the center of all that we do. With more than a century of combined legal experience, our talented attorneys bring enthusiasm, business savvy, and a healthy dose of common sense to every case we handle. The result?

  • FIRST RATE LEGAL WORK YOU CAN COUNT ON.
  • EVERY CLIENT.
  • EVERY TIME.

Statewide real estate experience. Regional Focus. Local Knowledge. When it comes to real estate development in Southwest Washington, no other law firm has a better handle on regional and local issues than Phillips Burgess. Our attorneys combine statewide real estate experience with in-depth local knowledge of jurisdictions extending from South King County to the Oregon border, making us increasingly the firm of choice for real estate clients and projects in the South Sound.

Our highly skilled team is passionate about what we do. Our commitment is to provide client-focused legal services, managing each case with meticulous care and attention. By getting to know our clients and their businesses, we are able to provide each client with the best possible legal counsel. Our experience shows that attorney-client relationships based on trust and partnership deliver both the best value and the best results.


Founded:
2012
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
15
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
1

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental

Regional

Seattle

Tier
1
Seattle
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
Seattle
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Seattle
Environmental Law
Tier
2
Seattle
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Seattle
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning

Firm Leadership

About Our Clients

"What they already know about your industry, atop their extensive law experience, makes them valuable and unique." ~ Tamarah Knapp Hancock, P.E., and General Counsel, Scarsella Brothers Construction, Inc.

"When working with large firms, your business can get lost in their process. Phillips Burgess offers the same expertise without all the fuss." ~ Don Moody, First Vice President, CBRE

"Their skills, competency and professionalism is made clear immediately." ~Frank Sanborn & Pastor David Kegley, Head Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church

"They're ahead of the curve on emerging issues. Their leadership strengthens the health of our communities." ~ David Schaffert, President and CEO, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

"Our business model requires a team approach and their attention to detail and willingness to listen brings people together." ~ Gus Erikson, President, Puget Western, Inc.

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental

Regional

Seattle

Tier
1
Seattle
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
Seattle
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Seattle
Environmental Law
Tier
2
Seattle
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Seattle
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning

Practice Areas

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 5 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Construction Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Municipal
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Municipal Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Timber Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC proudly has 1 lawyer recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Awards

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
2017 Boss of the Year (Heather Burgess), Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
2016 Philanthropic Business of the Year, South Sound Partners for Philanthropy
2015 Small Business of the Year, Thurston County Economic Development Counceil
2015 Affiliate Partner of the Year, Thurston County Realtor's Association

Offices & Contacts

Seattle, WA
Land Use Practice Group Lead / Managing Member
Litigation Practice Group
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