Robert Burns Attorney and Counselor at Law
Sole Practitioner
As a "People's Lawyer", Robert Burns takes on small and large cases for individuals, families, and small-business owners providing competent and assertive representation in and out of the Courts and the media, yet works diligently to avoid unnecessary litigation which may adversely affect the desired budget and outcome. Hire an attorney who will take your case seriously, and provide prudent counsel (not merely what you want to hear).
Education and Certification
- Doctorate of Law (1979)
- Passage of the California Bar Exam on first sitting (1979)
- Lifetime community-college teaching credential (1980)
- Extensive past and continuing post-graduate education
- Unblemished disciplinary record
Work Experience
- Broad, full-time practice of law since 1980
- Solo practitioner since 1982
- Computer literate since 1985
- Internet proficient since 1997
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
- Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Family Relations
- Support
- Custody and Hague Convention
- Estates
Litigation Percentage
- 40% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- California, 1980
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1986
- U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1980
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 1980
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1980
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1980
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Central District of California, 1980
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of California, 1980
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California, 1980
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of California, 1980
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1984
Education
- Western State University College of Law, San Diego, California
- Imperial Valley College, Imperial, California
- A.A. (Cum Laude) - 1976
Honors and Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation from VISTA
- California Community College Instructor Credential
Professional Associations and Memberships
- National Lawyers Guild, Member, Local Chapter Steering Committee, 1982 - Present
- California Bar Association, Member, 1980 - Present
- South Dakota County Bar Association, Member, Committee Member, 1980 - Present
- Ocean Beach Planning Board, Incorporated, 1980 - 1984
- Friends of Famosa Slough, 1985 - Present
Pro Bono Activities
- Ocean Beach Planning Board Director, 1980 - 1984
- Point Loma Tunnel Outfall Advisory Group Panelist, 1994 - 1996
- Environmental Advocates Organizer, 1994
- Friends of Famosa Slough Organizer/Incorporator/Director, 1984 - 1991
- V.I.S.T.A. (AmeriCorps) Community Organizer and Attorney, 1980 - 1981
