About Kevin
I enjoy being a lawyer and making a difference in other people’s lives. Whether it’s helping to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a company against a person who has been wrongfully sued, helping someone in simplifying the purchase of their first Florida dream villa, or in filing estate or inheritance tax paperwork in complicated estates to, wherever possible, reduce to zero a large tax bill.
I am a qualified lawyer in Florida, Ohio, and in England and Wales. How did this happen? Well, after law school I qualified as an attorney in the state of Ohio in 1992, and in Florida in 1994. While practicing in Cape Coral, Florida, I was admitted to the federal bar with the Middle District Court in 1994. In visiting Spain in 1997 I met my English wife.
Being both a US and Irish citizen, I decided to take the qualified lawyer transfer test (QLTT) in England & Wales, and I was appointed as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1999. I was employed as a solicitor and US attorney by Bennetts Solicitors, Attorneys, & Notaries that same year. In 2004, after taking the necessary exam in Miami, I was appointed by the Secretary of State for the state of Florida as a Florida Civil Law Notary.
After the completion of a two year course at the University of Cambridge in England, I was appointed by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a Public Notary in England and Wales in February 2008. I decided to come off the roll of solicitors in 2010 to set up my own firm and concentrate more on my US legal and notarial practice for my US and European clients with US legal needs. I remain an actively practising English lawyer in my capacity as an English Notary Public, further to which I prepare wills, and handle English probate.
Practice areas
- Immigration: 32%
We do not handle all areas of US immigration. We limit our practice to EB-5 visa and E-2 visa applications, and US spousal (not fiancee) visas where one or both spouses are resident in the UK.
- Probate: 20%
Florida Probate can involve complicated issues. We seek to keep it simple. Let us help you in deciding the type of Florida probate, and in closing the probate estate with the least possible complications.
25 years
- Estate planning: 12%
My estate planning mainly concerns preparing US estate planning documents for UK and european clients in light of property owned in the US. I prepare US revocable living trusts and QDOT wills with a view to taking account of the UK Finance Act 2006.
25 years
- Trusts: 10%
Looking to avoid probate in the USA? We specialize in revocable trusts for both US citizens and foreign nationals. For the estates of UK citizens we can advice in relation to the implications of the use of a US trust under UK tax law.
23 years
- Residential real estate: 5%
We have experience in helping both US citizens and foreign nationals in Florida property purchases. It is helpful to have someone on your side who can provide legal advice and help ensure your purchase has the best chance to go smoothly. You need to have someone to check the closing documents on your behalf including the exceptions on the title commitment. In a sale, sellers may simply want someone to compare the contract to the relevant closing documents to check the division of costs.
25 years
- Tax: 5%
We handle the preparation of Form 706 and Form 706NA US Estate & Gift Tax Returns. We are experienced in preparing treaty-based Estate returns of non US residents, through which we may be able to reduce or eliminate estate tax liability.
- Family: 5%
While being based in the UK, we can advise and or represent spouses in Florida divorce matters where there is a UK element such as where one spouse and/or children of the parties is/are resident in the UK.
- Wills and living wills: 5%
If you are reside outside of Florida, do you need a Florida will. What are the options available for foreign nationals. We can address these issues with you and look to ensure you are given all the relevant facts needed to make a very important decision
25 years
- Limited liability company (LLC): 3%
Assistance and advice given in relation to setting up or managing a limited liability company and consideration of other entities where proposed owners may be foreign nationals of nations which do not recognize the transparency of a US LLC structure.
- Partnership: 3%
Assistance and advice given in relation to setting up or managing a partnership, and/or addressing dissolution of an existing partnership.
Languages spoken
Spanish
Photos and videos
Contact
American Attorney Services
Our Offices 1, Yeowood Farm, Iwood Lane
Wrington
Bristol, BS40 5NU, England, United Kingdom, FL, 33993
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Member in Good Standing | 1994 | 09/12/2019 |
| OH | Active | 1992 | 10/19/2018 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Wills & Probate Law Firm of the Year in South West England | www.corp-intl.com | 2016 |
| Most Innovative Law Firm of 2016, Bristol | Acquisition International Magazine | 2016 |
| Wills & Probate Law Firm of the Year in SW England 2016 | Global Law Experts | 2016 |
| US Immigration Law Firm of the Year in England - 2015 | Global Law Experts (GLE) / 2015 Corporate Intl Magazine Legal Award | 2015 |
| Honoree, America's Most Honored Professionals 2015 | America's Most Honored Professionals | 2015 |
| Nominee | Acquisition International Legal Awards 2015 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominee | 2015 European Corporate Excellence Awards | 2015 |
| US Immigration Law Firm of the Year in England – 2014 | Global Law Experts (GLE) / 2014 Corporate Intl Magazine Legal Award | 2014 |
| Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation | Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners | 2013 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Kevin Michael Burke, Attorney & Notary t/a American Attorney Services | 2010 - Present |
| Partner | Bennetts Solicitors, Attorneys & Notaries (in Wrington, Bristol UK) | 1999 - 2010 |
| Principal | Law Office of Kevin Michael Burke, Kevin M. Burke, P.A. (Cleveland, OH / Cape Coral, FL) | 1992 - 1999 |
| Legal Intern | Miller, Stillman & Bartel, (Cleveland Ohio) | 1991 - 1992 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| American Attorneys in the UK | Founding Member | 2012 - Present |
| Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) | Full Member | 2011 - Present |
| The Notaries Society of England & Wales | Attorney Member & Course Instructor | 2008 - Present |
| Florida Civil Law Notary | Attorney Member | 2004 - Present |
| National Association of Civil Law Notaries | Attorney Member | 2004 - Present |
| American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 1999 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Committee | Member | 2008 - 2013 |
| Federation of Overseas Property Developers Agents and Consultants | member | 2004 - 2007 |
| Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section | committee member | 2004 - 2013 |
| Section of International Law, Florida Bar | committee member | 2000 - 2013 |
| Law Society of England and Wales | Solicitor (now former solicitor) | 1999 - 2010 |
| American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section | committee member | 1997 - 2015 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Insider - June 2010 (UK) | "American Dream" | 2010 |
| A Place in the Sun Magazine (UK) | "Living and working in the USA" | 2007 |
| Florida Magazine (UK) | "Ensuring there are no construction skeletons in your Florida dream home" | 2004 |
| Homes Overseas Magazine | "Avoiding the ‘Con’ in Consultancy in U.S. Immigration Scams" | 2003 |
| Homes Overseas Magazine | "Buying a Property in Florida? – Make sure you know who’s on your side" | 2002 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge, England | Postgraduate Diploma in Notarial Studies (PGDip) | 2008 |
| NACLN | Civil Law Notary | 2004 |
| Cleveland State University | JD - Juris Doctor | 1992 |
| Kent State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1989 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 22 January 2015 - SKY News | Television appearance on UK's SKY International News re legal options of Prince Andrew | 2015 |
| 2015 AILA Global Immigration Forum - June 17 2015 - Maryland | 2015 AILA Global Immigration Forum: Speaker Invitation Jan 11, 2015 | 2015 |
| Course Instructor for CPE (CLE) Course (Southampton, Chester, Essex, Kidderminster | "American Legal Documents" | 2013 |
| Course Instructor at "Continuing Education Day" CPE (CLE) course, 16 May 2013, Grange Holborn Hotel, London | "US Documents, A Practical Approach" | 2013 |
| Panel Speaker at OPP (Overseas Property Professional) Live - London Excel, Thursday 11 October 2012 | "The Top 5 Legal Pitfalls for Agents and Developers Selling Property | 2012 |
| Homes Overseas Exhibition | Panel Speaker at "Buying Florida Property" - Panel of Florida Property Experts, London, UK | 2005 |
|---|
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| UK resident without any connection to USA sued by Florida Lender in case of mistaken identity | Dismissal of Lender's Claim - Order granring Defendant's Verified Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction, to Quash Service, and Vacate Default |
| Defense against REMO claim brought in England for interest only on the Florida child support already paid | The English court accepted my argument that as interest was not expressly provided for under REMO that it was solely in their discretion and suggested it was requested far too late and was relief which was not available to English plaintiffs. |
| Claim under Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSFDA), breach of contract, securities violations, etc. | favourable Consent Judgment signed and settlement reached |
| UK minor suffered personal injury while on family holiday in Florida | Florida Judgment for plaintiff minor, English court order that funds could be kept in UK (where favourable interest was available) and acceptance by Florida court of the English court order |
Florida Trust, Pour-over Will, & Power of Attorney
Posted by William Brown
Thu Sep 06 2018
Helped me carve through a difficult situation
Posted by Keith
Fri Nov 27 2015
Attorney endorsements
(48)Derek Jacques, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 1, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Torrie is an amazing advocate for those in need. I would not hesitate to send my own clients his way.
Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Real estate Attorney on Jan 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Military law Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Clay, Immigration Attorney on Aug 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Mr. Burke. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help.
Travis Newton, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
James Newell, Real estate Attorney on Jul 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Kevin. He is well respected among fellow lawyers.
Vonnie Dones, Litigation Attorney on Apr 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.
I endorse this lawyer. Definitely on the path to greatness.
Robert Cohen, Probate Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He really knows his craft.
Mark Murad, Immigration Attorney on Mar 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the best lawyers!
Simon Kabzan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 19, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer as one who is a specialist in their field and highly recommend.
Dmitry Gorin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Kevin Burke. Exceptional attorney who is a highly respected member in the legal community.
Joseph Torri, Child support Attorney on Sep 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John Ralls, Oil and gas Attorney on Jul 22, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community.
Richard Rosenstein, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Kevin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Randal Moore, Business Attorney on Apr 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the community.
Sean Cleary, Car accident Attorney on Apr 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney and a highly respected one in the legal community.
Gary Brod, Car accident Attorney on Apr 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ligia Parmenter, General practice Attorney on Mar 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kevin Michael Burke is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$275-$350/hour
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