Atty. Heather Burgess
Heather Burgess is an attorney with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC in Olympia, Washington. Her practice focuses on Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, and Real Estate Law, representing real estate developers throughout all phases of property acquisition, development, and permitting.
Profile Summary
About Heather Burgess at a glance
Heather Burgess is a real estate, zoning, litigation, and environmental attorney based in Olympia, Washington, practicing at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC. Admitted to practice in Oregon, Oregon State Bar and Washington, Washington State Bar Association. Educated at University of Washington (J.D., 1998) and Harvard University (B.A., 1991). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Seattle) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Serands clients in Olympia, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Heather Burgess is an attorney with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC in Olympia, Washington
- Her practice focuses on Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, and Real Estate Law, representing real estate developers throughout all phases of property acquisition, development, and permitting
- Heather has worked on residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Washington State, including significant developments in Southwest Washington
- She assists clients in evaluating property opportunities and navigating Washington’s complex land use and environmental regulatory framework, including permit strategy and, when necessary, litigation involving environmental and land use approvals
- Heather regularly works with state and federal regulatory schemes affecting development, including the Washington State Environmental Policy Act, the Growth Management Act, the Shoreline Management Act, and the federal Endangered Species Act
- Her practice also includes Litigation – Environmental and Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, where she represents clients in administrative appeals and court proceedings related to permitting, compliance, and project approvals
- In addition to her private practice, Heather has a substantial background in municipal and public agency law, with a focus on Port Districts
- She currently serves as contract General Counsel to the Port of Tacoma and advises public entities on real estate, land use, and environmental matters
- Heather also represents clients in civil real estate disputes and regularly speaks at continuing legal education programs and industry seminars on Washington land use and environmental regulation
- Heather co-founded Phillips Burgess PLLC in Olympia in 2011 with long-time Olympia attorney Richard “Mick” Phillips
- Prior to forming the firm, she practiced as a partner at Eisenhower Carlson PLLC in Tacoma and as an associate at Perkins Coie LLP in its Seattle and Olympia offices
- Before entering private practice, Heather served for 13 years on active duty with the United States Army, including six years as a Judge Advocate
- She continued her military service as a Judge Advocate in the Washington Army National Guard until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016
Practice Areas Explained
Heather Burgess's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Heather Burgess handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Heather Burgess is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Washington →
Heather Burgess is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Washington →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Heather Burgess is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Washington →
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Heather Burgess is one of 56,434 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Washington
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Olympia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Olympia or all attorneys in Washington.
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