John Burgess retired as a partner on December 31, 2013 after 37 years or practice at WilmerHale. During that time, he represented clients in matters focusing on securities law, including public and private securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, licensing and strategic partnerships, as well as a range of international matters, including public and private placements for overseas issuers, inward and outward bound acquisition transactions, and distribution and licensing arrangements. He represented clients engaged in a wide range of technology sectors and handled more than 100 IPOs and follow-on offerings for both US and foreign issuers. Mr. Burgess was the co-chair of WilmerHale’s International Transactions Group and served on the firm's Management and Compensation Committees.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and an adjunct professor of international law at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.