About William
Biography
Mr. Burns has substantial experience representing plaintiffs in complex/multi-district litigation, class action litigation, legal malpractice, wrongful death and product liability litigation. In 2013, Mr. Burns was admitted to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of all U.S. lawyers are members
Experienced Aggressive Legal Representation.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
30 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Arkansas for 17 years
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Tennessee for 29 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
William F. Burns's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Legal Warrior and Justice Seeker
Bill Burns is a legal warrior and justice seeker: he is an extraordinary attorney. He is a man of great integrity and intelligence, and advocates for his clients. His legal expertise and guidance are exceptional, and he gives nothing less than his absolute best. Hiring Bill as my legal counsel was on...
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2015
Real Estate Dispute
Mr Burns represented me in a real estate transaction dispute and assisted me in getting me relieved of any wrong doing and case got dismissed.
Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2014
Defective Product
I hired Bill Burns after my father died in an accident caused by a defective hot water heater. Mr. Burns told me on the front end it would be a very difficult case. However he was amazing to work with and was able to prove the tank was defective and we won the case. I and my family will be eternally ...
Posted by Jacqueline | September 9, 2014
Represented by the BEST!
Integrity, commitment, perseverance, knowledge, diligence and trust are only a few words that best describe Bill as a dedicated attorney and human being. Bill has been representing me since 2009, after a chain reaction car accident caused the total loss of my first car. While I worked at St. Jude Chi...
Posted by anonymous | July 1, 2014
First Class Attorney
Bill is an excellent attorney who is relentless and does not back down. It was easy to communicate with him before, during and after the case. He is very thorough and I highly recommend Bill Burns and his firm.
William F. Burns's Lawyer Endorsements
"William is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"Bill and his partner, Frank Watson, are the pre-eminent class action lawyers in Memphis and Shelby County. He is knowledgeable and works hard for his clients."
"If you need a class action lawyer you need a tough, hard fighting and winning lawyer on your side. William F. Burns is all three. I endorse him"
"Mr. Burns provides thoughtful and thorough answers here on the Avvo website. I would not hesitate to send anyone to his practice."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A great advocate and fights for his clients in court."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top notch lawyer in this field and one of the best lawyers in the state. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great litigator!"
"I endorse this lawyer. William is a tenacious litigator who knows how to prosecute complex class and multi-district actions. Not all litigators can handle and excel at this type of work and William stands out in a very crowded field of lawyers"
"Attorney Burns provides the Avvo community's clients with well-reasoned and appropriate responses. Accordingly, without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has an excellent reputation in his community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Life Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2013
Life Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Managing Member, Watson Burns, PLLC
2001 - 2005
Assocaite Attorney, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, P.C.
1997 - 2001
Associate Attorney, Waring Cox, PLC
1996 - 1997
Judicial Law Clerk, Tennessee Court of Appeals
Associations
Member
Member
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Our team was able to negotiate a $21 million settlement on behalf of a nationwide class, which included an agreement by Fed Ex to change the way it determines the applicability of its residential surcharge.
After approximately two years of hard fought litigation against a prominent Nashville defense team, the case was settled and the defendant insisted that the amount be kept confidential.
FMT paid a $19 million cash settlement on behalf of a nationwide class.
Education
1999
Graduate
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Qualified Settlement Trust Fund- Class Action Plaintiffs Lawyer Perspective
2012
Class Action Update
Publications
1995
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
William earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
My attorney has sent an Offer of Judgment to the opposing party. Should the Offer be Filed with the Court?
05 May 2024
How many names can be on a property deed?
10 Apr 2024
Can I be sued for injury caused by using a product I sold but did not manufacture?
15 Apr 2024