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. 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.