The Legacy You Create Lives Forever
Michael Burstein started as an attorney in 1987 working at a Century City law firm and focuses on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, elder law, and business planning. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which happens to be the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. At Hastings he was the Managing Editor of the Constitutional Law Quarterly.
After law school Michael began applying what he had learned initially as a member of the California Bar and later adding the Kansas and Oklahoma bars. In addition to being a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Order of Distinguished Attorneys, Michael is also an active member of Wealth Counsel (which is a national network of practicing estate planning attorneys) as well as Elder Counsel, Wealth Counsel Advisors, and serves on the Board of the Directors of the Culver Marina Bar Association.
Michael’s passion shines through in all aspects of his work, and his desire to educate his clients as well as the general public has led him to host educational seminars and boot camps. He has experience in addressing thousands of unique situations and takes the time to make sure that not only his clients work is done efficiently, but that his clients are comfortable every step of the way.
Throughout his career Michael has prepared upwards of 3,500 trusts, 5,000 wills, and probates approximately 50 estates annually. His attention to detail, mastery of the law, and willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the individual needs of a wide range of clients has allowed him to build a successful practice in the Los Angeles area since going out on his own in 1989. Many of his clients have been with him for years, and recommend his services to family and friends alike.
Practice areas
Working with wills, trusts, and planning for the future
30 years
30 years
30 years
30 years
30 years
30 years
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Burstein Law Firm
11600 Washington Place
Suite 104
Los Angeles, CA, 90066
111 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Suite 250
Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
OK | Authorized to Practice Law | 1996 | 05/13/2022 |
KS | Inactive | 1995 | 04/27/2022 |
CA | Active | 1987 | 02/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 141 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
World's Greatest Uncle | Burstein Family | 2008 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Founding Attorney | The Burstein Law Firm | 1990 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
ElderCounsel | Member | 2014 - Present |
Culver Marina Bar Association | Board of Directors | 2011 - Present |
Beverly Hills Bar Association, The Order of Distinguished Attorneys | Member | 2008 - Present |
Culver Marina Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
WealthCounsel | Member | 2006 - Present |
Advisor's Forum, WealthCounsel | Member | 2006 - Present |
Oklahoma Bar Association | Member | 1996 - Present |
Kansas Bar Association | Member | 1995 - Present |
State Bar of California | Member | 1987 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
California Lawyer Magazine | The Caregiver Statute | 2011 |
Trusts & Estates Magazine | Bequests to Non-Related Caregiver | 2011 |
Santa Monica Daily News | What If Your Pet Out Lives You? | 2011 |
Los Angeles Daily Journal | What You Should Know About Estate Taxes | 2011 |
Estate Planning Strategies/Collective Wisdom, Proven Techniques | Family Limited Partnerships | 2009 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of California, Hastings College of the Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1986 |
University of California - Berkeley | undergraduate | 1984 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Estate Planning 101 | Estate Planning Basics | 2015 |
Estate Planning Seminar | The Basics of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Probate | 2014 |
Trusts and Estates Boot Camp | Super Charge Your Practice (for CPAs and Advisors) | 2013 |
Posted by Marcy Smith
March 11, 2011
Posted by anonymous
April 26, 2018
Douglas Thomas, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 19, 2014
Relationship: Other
Michael demonstrated commitment to excellence in his profession by participating in, and attending, a fantastic seminar. My observations over two days lead my to recommend him without hesitation.
Steven Jackson, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 23, 2011
Relationship: Other
I highly recommend this attorney. They are extremely well qualified technically and constantly striving to become better educated to provide better professional services for their clients.
Douglas Thomas, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 19, 2014
Relationship: Other
Michael demonstrated commitment to excellence in his profession by participating in, and attending, a fantastic seminar. My observations over two days lead my to recommend him without hesitation.
Steven Jackson, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 23, 2011
Relationship: Other
I highly recommend this attorney. They are extremely well qualified technically and constantly striving to become better educated to provide better professional services for their clients.
Scott Topolski, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 14, 2011
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an eminently diligent and conscientious attorney.
Nicholas George, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 13, 2011
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.Michael Burstein is an excellent lawyer who establishes enduring and effective lawyer-client relationships. He is knowledgeable, pragmatic, diligent and polite. His skills inside and outside the courtroom demonstrate a strong commitment to the legal profession and the long term welfare of his clients. Michael Burstein represents, in effect, the consummate professional who is exceptionally competent and deeply concerned about his clients.
Richard White, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Although I’ve known Michael for several years, only recently did I have the chance to spend some time with him, get to know him up close and in person, and learn a little about his practice and his approach to estate planning. I know there are lots of skilled estate planning attorneys in Los Angeles, and certainly he’s not the only one. But anyone who is looking for a real problem-solver, who will give personalized attention and follow up on an estate planning engagement promptly, efficiently, and professionally, would be well advised to give him serious consideration. I endorse Michael Burstein.
David Tenzer, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 7, 2011
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. I recently met Mr. Burstein at a seminar and was impressed by his strong commitment to his clients. He struck me as very dedicated to providing a superior client experience and I am glad to recommend his services.
Robert Malove, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 6, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I recently had occasion to work with Mr. Burstein. I found his knowledge to be extraordinary and his insight superior. I endorse Mr. Burstein without any reservation whatsoever to anyone who needs to hire a top shelp Estate Planning attorney.
Linda Rahal, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is your trusted partner when it comes to probate law and estate planning. He is extremely knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. I highly recommend him.
Jarrett Cooper, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 4, 2011
Relationship: Other
Michael is thorough, diligent and knowledgeable. He understands his clients' estate planning needs, and implements strategies that get results. I recommend Michael's work!
Maura Curran, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure to meet Michael and find him to be an exceptional estate planning attorney who has an incredible passion to help his clients. He is very personable and easy to talk to, especially regarding your personal wishes regarding your assets and last wishes..
George Fernandez, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 4, 2011
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. I had an opportunity to meet Mr. Burstein at a recent legal conference and found him to be very knowledgable and experienced as an estate planning attorney.
James Frazier, General practice Attorney on Mar 3, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've had the opportunity to know Mr. Burstein and I believe he is a knowledgeable, trustworthy member of the legal community who provides excellent representation to his clients.
Scott Baker, Probate Attorney on Apr 29, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Michael Burstein on several probate and trust matters over the past 10 years. I have found him to be smart, responsive and diligent, resulting in successful solutions for the clients on those matters. I will continue to look to him when I need co-counsel or to consult with a legal expert in trust and probate matters.
H Keyt, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 25, 2010
Relationship: Other
Michael is a fellow member of WealthCounsel, which is a national organization of committed estate planning attorneys. Members of WealthCounsel are dedicated estate planners on a level much higher than the average lawyer who prepares wills and trusts.
Peter Lennington, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 24, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Michael through his years of committed membership in WealthCounsel, LLC. Michael's participation and generous sharing of knowledge with the group members is commendable. On numerous occasions, Michael has provided the group with keen observations and insights on how best to tackle a particular estate planning matter -- particularly in the arena of federal estate taxation and asset protection. Consequently, he receives my endorsement.
Jeffrey Matsen, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 31, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked closely with Michael on several high net worth estate planning matters. I have found him to be knowledgeable, responsible, and to do outstanding work. He is bright and competent and takes care of these clients needs with consideration and attention. He is the kind of attorney that makes a difference, not only because of his legal ability and skill, but because he knows and understands his clients and their objectives and concerns.