Burke, Joseph M.

What do you love about the law?

It is a way for me to spend my work day helping people, solving problems that have them wondering about their future.

Why did you choose to specialize in Workers' Compensation?

I saw an opportunity to give hope to injured workers who have lost their paychecks, are physically hurting, and worrying constantly about how to feed their families. My job is to lay out options for the worker. If he or she goes back to work, that's great. But when returning to work is not possible, I want to create solutions to make certain that the worker's financial future is secure.

Why would you recommend this firm to anyone?

We really care about people. The only motivation for going forward in a case is to assure an adequate settlement or judgment that is truly in the best interest of the client.

What's the most important thing to consider when you're looking for an attorney?

Integrity and the willingness to stay in close contact with the client. Too many clients have become disenchanted with lawyers who do not return phone calls or keep the client informed on what's happening in his or her case. Truthfulness is a rare commodity these days but nowhere is more important than in the attorney-client relationship. The client must choose a lawyer he or she can trust.

You've authored more than 40 books about Oklahoma, its people, and its heritage. Which is your favorite?

Probably my biography of aviator Wiley Post. He was an Oklahoma kid who overcame great odds to become the world's greatest pilot and discoverer of the jet stream. He had only one eye, a sixth grade education, a depression problem, and a prison record yet he accomplished incredible feats including being the first person to fly alone around the earth.

How do you find time to fit all your activities and accomplishments?

I get up early. I regularly spend three to four hours at the office in the early morning hours before the rest of the staff arrives.

Favorite music:

Pop hits of the Sixties. I was a disc jockey at KOMA in Oklahoma City during college during the heyday of Top 40 radio. I can still win most trivia contests about songs from the Sixties.

What traits do you most admire in others?

Integrity and a good work ethic. I like people who are honest with me. I also admire those who are ready to tackle any job with enthusiasm and optimism.

Who are your personal heroes?

A high school history teacher who gave me my passion for preserving Oklahoma history and President Harry Truman who said, "There is nothing new in the world except for the history you have not yet read."

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I love the outdoors, especially cultivating my flowers in my backyard. I also love old bookstores and libraries.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family. Without family, all of the successes of life seem empty.

EDUCATION:

B.A. in Journalism, University of Oklahoma
Juris Doctorate, Oklahoma City University

EXPERIENCE:

POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT - Secretary of Commerce - State of Oklahoma; Secretary of Industrial Development - State of Oklahoma; Manager - David Boren for U.S. Senate campaign in 1978; member of the Broken Bow, Oklahoma City Council and Public Works Authority; co-chairman, Fallin Commission on Workers' Compensation Reform.

CIVIC AND CULTURAL - Either presently or past member of the governing boards of the Oklahoma Heritage Association, Jim Thorpe Association, the Oklahoma City University President's Council, the Oklahoma Arts Institute, Wiley Post Centennial Commission, Oklahoma Center for the Book, Red Earth Festival, University of Oklahoma Reunions Committee.

LEGAL - Represents injured workers and clients in other personal injury cases. Licensed to practice before all Oklahoma Courts, all federal district courts in Oklahoma, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

LITIGATION EXPERIENCE - Since 1979, I have handled more than 8,000 workers' compensation and personal injury cases. Many of my cases have changed the law in workers' compensation. My senior partner and I settled one personal injury case that resulted in compensation in excess of $25 million for a horribly burned child.