James George Burns

James is a husband of 20+ years and a father to a son who is now a lawyer after passing the October 2020 bar. James happens to be an in-demand lecturer on estate, retirement and business protection. James is licensed as an attorney and practices estate planning, asset protection, tax, real estate and corporate transactions. He has completed several M&A transactions in the $2 to $20 million range. He is author of several books including the widely acclaimed financial book, The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth. He is Principal of The Burns Firm.

James served honorably in the United States Marine Corps’ Force Reconnaissance (akin to Navy SEAL program) where he trained in special operations, hostage negotiations and anti-terrorism. After military service James parlayed his skillset into executive protection and worked for the late Doris Duke. There he assisted her daughter in establishing one of the first family offices to manage personal wealth and lifestyle assets. He has been quoted and interviewed by numerous media outlets (see samples below) and is a frequent lecturer at Saddleback Community College’s Department of Sociology and Aging Sciences.

James holds two law degrees, (JD) and (LL.M.) Master of Laws in tax and is admitted to practice law by the State Bar of California, U.S. District Court (Central District of California), U.S. Tax Court, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He has represented clients before the IRS to their complete satisfaction and adulation. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Elder Law College which trains lawyers on special needs planning and how to assist seniors in qualifying for government benefits. He is a member of the Society of Tax & Estate Planning Practitioners where each member must be vetted and only top 2% of estate planners can join.

James lives in South Orange County California where he is usually found in the gym or pool when he is not working.

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California

Since 2000

SUNY Ctr at Albany

Undergraduate Degree

Golden Gate Univ School of Law

Law Degree

California State Bar  # 208656

Member

2000 - Current