ATTORNEY THOMAS A. BURNS

With practicality and effectiveness, Tom Burns works with clients to resolve their legal issues. He believes it is a best practice to resolve disputes respectfully when possible and stays at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution movements. In addition to holding a law degree and maintaining his membership in the Maryland State and Howard County Bar Associations, Tom has been trained in mediation and collaborative law and applies these alternative techniques when appropriate. He has demonstrated his belief in the collaborative practice movement by serving on the Board of Directors, and as the former Secretary, Vice President and President for the Howard County Collaborative Professionals and as the former Treasurer for the Maryland Collaborative Practice Council. Tom is a skilled mediator and is on the Court's list of approved mediators pursuant to Maryland Rule 17-207.

In 2014, Tom served on the Committee of the Commission on Child Custody Decision-Making. The Commission was tasked by the Maryland House of Delegates with studying the decision-making processes and recommending ways to improve the process of Court related custody decision-making. Tom will litigate when necessary and appropriate, having appeared in hundreds of cases in multiple practice areas in Courts throughout Central Maryland.

• Admitted to practice in Maryland

• Member Maryland State Bar Association

• Member Howard County Bar Association

• Member Howard County Collaborative Professionals

• Former President, Vice President, Secretary and Board of Directors
  Howard County Collaborative Professionals

• Former Treasurer and Board of Directors Maryland Collaborative Practice Council

BIOGRAPHY

Tom was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and in 1992, graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Politics and a History minor from Saint Joseph's University (PA). Upon graduation, Tom relocated to Maryland to study at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1995 and gained admission to the practice of law in Maryland later that year.

Tom began his career as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Susan M. Marzetta, General Magistrate of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City from 1995-1996. He went on to work for the Legal Aid Bureau, and later, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Tom handled numerous child abuse and neglect cases, representing both children, and later, Baltimore City in these matters. This work provided valuable trial experience and cultivated an interest in working with families who are seeking resolution for their legal and practical issues.

Later, Tom broadened his experience in private practice firms that focused on domestic matters, civil litigation, elder law issues, guardianship and probate. Today, he enjoys working on a broad range of practice areas at Berger & Bums, LLC, the firm he co-founded in 2009 with his partner and friend, Victor Berger. Tom is also a divorce survivor, and as such, brings empathy to his clients in his domestic practice.

He and his current wife, Kristin, a Maryland native, reside in the Baltimore area. From his first marriage, Tom has a daughter who attended school in Howard County and who brings him much joy. Tom is also an avid fan of sports and the arts.

Call:       (410) 465-7904

Email:    tom@bergerburns.com

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