John S. Burton, Esq, has been practicing in the areas of estate planning, asset protection, business and elder law for almost two decades. Founder of J.S. Burton, P.L.C., John was inspired to shape his law practice as a boutique, family office environment in which he could represent individuals, families and businesses on a multigenerational level. John applies a holistic strategy that employs a variety of legal strategies in the areas of complex and specialized tax planning, asset protection, estate planning, trust administration and business law. John specifically tailors a unique and personalized plan for each client. John is an active member of the communities he serves and has been appointed on a number of regional non-profit boards as well as for profit committees.
Professional Designations:
Graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College in Behavioral Psychology
Received his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, where he focused his studies on estate planning, taxation and business transactions
Recognized as a Certified Estate Planner (C.E.P.) with the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners
A Trust and Estate Practitioner (T.E.P.) with the International Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Speaker for the National Business Institute (NBI) on the topics of Estate Planning, Asset Protection and Veteran's Benefit Planning
An instructor for the Osher Institute at both the schools of William and Mary and American University (DC Campus) in the areas of estate planning, asset protection and elder law
Awarded Top Lawyer in Coastal Virginia 2024 by Coastal Virginia Magazine
Previously awarded the Martindale Client Distinction Award for overall client excellence
Past and Present featured attorney as the "Best of" within the Hampton Roads & Williamsburg Scout Guides
Named to the Top 100 by National Advocate in 2020, 2021 and 2022
Named to the Top 10 by National Advocate in 2022
Serves in court as an expert witness in estate dispute cases
Awarded Top Lawyer in Coastal Virginia 2024 & 2025 by Coastal Virginia Magazine
2025 Pro Bono Service Honor Roll Awarded by the Virginia Access to Justice Commission.
Federal and State Bar Admissions:
Admitted to practice in all courts within the Commonwealth of Virginia
Licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia
Eastern Virginia United States District Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
The United States Tax Court
An accredited attorney representative with the US Veterans Administration
Community Affiliations
Member of the Financial Planning Association
Virginia Wesleyan Corporate Leader's Council
A current member and past board officer, of the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council
Protecting and Preserving Generational Wealth
The law firm of J.S. Burton is dedicated in assisting individuals, families and businesses in the creation, preservation and transition of assets between generations. The firm uses a holistic approach to the legal planning process. Legal representation is always offered in a sensitive and time efficient manner to preserve both your acquired wealth and your valuable family relationships.
