Adam Polakoff

Adam Polakoff is a partner based in Burke’s San Francisco office.  He is a member of the firm’s Construction Law and Litigation practice groups.

Adam specializes in defending architects, engineers, and other design professionals in construction litigation, and drafting and negotiating strong contracts to avoid claims in the first place.

Adam has successfully represented contractors and design professionals in matters involving both residential and commercial projects, as well as in complex litigation. He also represents other professionals, including real estate brokers and attorneys in litigation and arbitration.

In addition to litigation, Adam protects clients by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction contracts with an eye to risk mitigation, insurability, and fairness. His deep knowledge of the law, creativity, and issue spotting skills allow him to use contractual language to address potential disputes before a project even begins. Increasingly, Adam’s transactional practice also extends well beyond the construction industry.

Adam has also represented clients in general litigation and appellate matters, including the successful argument to the California Supreme Court that Proposition 8 cannot be applied retroactively to already-married same-sex couples. Adam previously worked as in-house counsel for a national engineering and planning firm.

  • J.D., cum laude, University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 2007
  • B.A., Literature, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1999
  • State Bar of California