
Michael I. Burstein, Business Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PrincipalatMichael Burstein
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing business in Los Angeles since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 3.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael I. Burstein?
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Quick answer
Michael I. Burstein is a principal based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Burstein. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael I. Burstein: Michael I. Burstein is a principal based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Burstein. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Los Angeles
Michael concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Business cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes business matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes elder law matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes estate planning matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes probate matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes trusts matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael I. Burstein, business attorney serving Los Angeles
Michael I. Burstein is a principal based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Burstein. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Michael works from Los Angeles, California and takes on business matters across the region.
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.
How Michael handles business matters
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…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1986
University of California at Berkeley
A.B. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Oklahoma
1996 · ACTIVE
Kansas
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Los Angeles County Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Michael I. Burstein's office in Los Angeles
Michael's primary office is at 3611 Motor Avenue, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA, 90034. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael I. Burstein — 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Los Angeles.
3.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael I. Burstein claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael I. Burstein — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael I. Burstein
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Michael handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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