Bio
James M. Burkhardt is a Principal in the Firm's Workers’ Compensation Department. He limits his practice to the defense of a broad array of employers, their workers' compensation insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. His clients include interstate motor carriers, retail and food industry distribution centers, visiting nursing companies, manufacturing facilities, and boroughs and municipalities. He has extensive trial and appellate experience, and currently handles litigation of claims in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania from the firm's Allentown Office. Mr. Burkhardt has tried hundreds of cases before Workers’ Compensation Judges and has also argued numerous cases before the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board and Commonwealth Court.
Mr. Burkhardt counsels clients on claims management and risk management, in addition to frequently lecturing on these and other topics in workers' compensation. Mr. Burkhardt also provides advice and counsel to employers, insurers, and third-party administrators with respect to workers’ compensation matters that are currently not yet in litigation. He has lectured and conducted numerous workshops on topics and issues arising under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
The Best Lawyers in America™ recognized Mr. Burkhardt in its 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions in the Workers' Compensation Law - Employers category. For information about this selection and an overview of common third-party publications, rankings, and list methodologies, click here.
Education
- J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1987
- B.S. in Criminal Justice, Kutztown University, 1978
Bar Memberships
- Pennsylvania
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Affiliations
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Schuylkill County Bar Association
- Lehigh County Bar Association
Speaking Engagements
- Presented, Wakefern Food Corporation – Safety Conference (November 2016)
- Keynote speaker at PA Home Care Association annual meeting (October 2015)
News & Insights
Education
- J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1987
- B.S. in Criminal Justice, Kutztown University, 1978
Bar Memberships
- Pennsylvania
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Affiliations
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Schuylkill County Bar Association
- Lehigh County Bar Association