Michael Burns focuses his practice in the areas of tax, business planning, and wealth management. As a member of Varner & Brandt’s Corporate and Tax Group, Michael counsels individuals and entities on a wide range of corporate and tax matters, with an emphasis on tax planning. He represents clients in their tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service, Board of Equalization, and the Franchise Tax Board.

Michael’s wealth management practice primarily consists of creating personalized estate plans to minimize estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax consequences. His tailored plans range from the simple will and revocable trust to more complex estate planning vehicles designed to preserve wealth for multiple generations. Additionally, Michael advises and represents trustees, personal representatives, heirs, and beneficiaries in Probate Court and through each stage of the trust and estate administration process.

Before joining Varner & Brandt, Michael practiced law as an associate at a Northern California law firm where he created estate plans and assisted in the formation and counseling of various business entities including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and tax exempt organizations.

Focus

• Corporate & Business
• Tax Planning
• Wealth Preservation

Community Involvement & Pro Bono

• Upland Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors

Education

• University of San Diego School of Law, LL.M. in Taxation, 2009
• University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 2008
• University of the Pacific, B.S., Finance, 2005

Admissions

• American Bar Association
• The State Bar of California
• Riverside County Bar Association
• San Bernardino County Bar Association