Overview
Brian Burke, a Chambers ranked Partner, advises clients on regulatory investigations, internal investigations and compliance counseling. His practice focuses on conduct in Asia-Pacific relating to corruption, fraud, sanctions, antitrust and money laundering. He has handled matters relating to China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Brian also has extensive experience performing pre-transaction compliance due diligence in connection with investments in high-risk jurisdictions.
In 2014, Brian served as interim China general counsel for GlaxoSmithKline in connection with the widely-publicized criminal investigation by Chinese authorities, which prompted parallel investigations by US and UK regulators.
Brian has appeared before the US Department of Justice, US Securities and Exchange Commission, UK Serious Fraud Office, Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption, and other international regulators on cross-border investigations and compliance matters.
- New York
- Hong Kong
- US District Court, Southern District of New York
- US District Court, Eastern District of New York
- J.D., Fordham University
- B.A., Middlebury College, cum laude, Mandarin Chinese
Areas of Work
Representative Matters
- Represented multiple US and European multinational companies on internal investigations and compliance matters in China and other Asian jurisdictions.
- Represented a US hedge fund employee in insider trading investigations by the SEC and SFC.
- Advised Crown Resorts on criminal charges against Australian employees in China.
- Represented Olympus Corporation on compliance and investigations matters in Asia.
- Represented multiple China-based companies and individuals in US securities class actions, shareholder derivative litigation and SEC investigations.
- Represented Europe's largest all-cargo airline in multi-jurisdictional antitrust investigations and related civil class actions.
- Won dismissal of shareholder litigation challenging take-private transaction by majority shareholder of Fairfax Financial Holdings.
- Defeated preliminary injunction motion in Delaware Chancery Court brought by shareholders of NBC Universal in connection with recapitalization transaction.
- Won dismissal of multiple antitrust cases against European manufacturer on personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction grounds.
Speaking Engagements
- What It Takes to Thrive Amid the High-Risk Dynamics of Operating in China: Navigating New Healthcare Anti-Bribery Guidelines and Intensifying Geopolitical Tensions, FCPA & Anti-Corruption for the Life Sciences Industry, American Conference Institute, New York, NY, May 7, 2025
- Steptoe Roundtable on China with Ambassador Craig Allen, Steptoe, New York, NY, April 2, 2025
- Life Sciences in China: Pharma and Medical Device Companies Discuss New Compliance Risks Amid Geopolitical Tensions, American Conference Institute, Online Webinar, March 19, 2025
- The Impact of Exogenous Shocks on China’s Economy, China's Economy: Challenges, Solutions, and Future, Council on Foreign Relations and the Asia Society, New York, NY, March 13, 2025
- Steptoe Roundtable on China with Ken Jarrett: The Road Ahead for US Companies in China, Steptoe, New York, NY, February 13, 2025
News & Publications
Press Releases
Global Investigations Review Names Steptoe a Top 30 International Investigations Firm
November 21, 2023
Events
Seminars & Events
Global Trade and Enforcement Symposium in Hong Kong
June 1, 2023
Speakers: Renato Antonini, Yongqing Bao, Brigida Benitez, Brian G. Burke, Ali Burney, Henry Cao, John Caracappa, Boyd Cloern, Robyn C. Crowther, Brian J. Fleming, Coy Garrison, Zoey Hong, Stanley C. Kuo, Amy J. Lentz, Michelle L. Levin, Patrick F. Linehan, Jamie Lucia, Alexandra Melia, Cáitrín McKiernan, Eva Monard, Darryl Nirenberg, Gwendolyn Prothro Renigar, Angus Rodger, Guy Soussan, David M. Stetson, Grace Wang, Philip R. West, Charles Whiddington, Wendy Wysong, Lin Yang, Bo Yue, Wilson Zhao
Noteworthy
- Chambers Global, Dispute Resolution (International Firms), China (2018, 2021-2025)
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Shanghai Bar Association
- China Business Lawyers Association
- Asia Society
- China Institute in America