About
John Burns
Estate & Elder Care Law
John Burns has provided competent and comprehensive counsel to individual and corporate clients since 1990. Hailed by his peers for his trustworthy and practical approach to the law, Mr. Burns is widely recognized for his legal acumen and skill. A frequent lecturer at conferences throughout the country on the issues regarding estate and tax planning for businesses and private individuals, Mr. Burns offers dependable legal guidance with an eye on your timelines and your goals at all times.
John Burns, LL.M. (Tax), CELA, EPLS
Before opening his own law firm, John Burns was a partner in two of the region’s largest law firms, Baker Donelson and Waller Lansden, where he successfully represented individuals in all aspects of estate planning, asset protection, business succession and federal and state tax controversies. Licensed to practice in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi, John is Board Certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation and Board Certified as an Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils in addition to being recognized by that organization as an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP). He also has earned a Martindale Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating, has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the area of Tax Law, and is a Veterans Administration Accredited Attorney.
John and his wife, Rebecca, live in Brookhaven, Mississippi, John’s hometown, where they enjoy rearing their young twins.
Bar Admissions
Alabama
Mississippi
Tennessee
Education
University of Mississippi, BA, JD
University of Florida, LL.M. (Taxation)
Designations, Awards & Recognitions
Board Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation
Board Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) by National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) by National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Martindale Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rated
Veterans Administration Accredited Attorney
Listed in Best Lawyers in America
Professional Affiliations
CELA – National Elder Law Foundation
EPLS – National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation
Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Member, NAELA National Tax Steering Committee
Member Board of Directors, Life Care Planning Law Firms Association
Past Chair, Tennessee Bar Association Tax Section
Past Chair, Nashville Bar Association Tax Section
Civic Activities
Rotary Paul Harris Society
Rotary GSE Participant to Bangladesh
Rotary Club of Brookhaven-Lincoln County
Rebecca Burns
Community Outreach Director
A native of Decatur, Alabama, and a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Rebecca worked for (Colossal) Pictures in San Francisco and later in creative development at Nickelodeon Movies in New York and Los Angeles. Drawing on her creative experience, Rebecca leads marketing and community outreach at the firm and is in charge of organizing special events and seminars. Rebecca is a Master Gardener and enjoys spending much of her time outdoors. She previously owned Rebecca’s Furniture and Design on Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee.
Kristen Temple
Administrative Assistant
Kristen Temple, a native of Franklin County, Mississippi, joined us in Brookhaven with a background in state government, law and insurance.
Kristen enjoys traveling with her family and friends and making new memories with her young daughter. Kristen serves on both the children’s committee and the flower committee at her church. Kristen is excited to work in this client-related capacity assisting others in the community and surrounding areas.
Have questions? We’d love to talk to you.
Contact John Burns at (601) 748-8888 or hello@misselderlaw.com.
