With two decades of trial experience in private practice and as a deputy public defender, Megan Burns of Mirador Law specializes in criminal defense and plaintiff personal injury matters. She has tried over fifty jury trials and been named a Super Lawyer in Northern California every year since 2018. Megan enjoys fighting for real people with real problems, whether they are charged with a crime or seeking recovery after being injured through no fault of their own. Megan graduated with honors from Boston College in 1999 and earned her law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. Megan is an active ACBA member and currently serves as the 2024 ACBA Board President.

1. When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Truly, I always wanted to be a lawyer. I do not come from a family of lawyers either. I come from a large Midwestern family of farmers, auto workers, nurses and military veterans. I had a strong desire to pursue a career in the law from a young age and have never looked back!
2.  If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you be doing instead? Tough question – see answer to #1 above. If I was not a lawyer, I would have to be in a profession that helped everyday people improve their lives. That is the best I can do because I feel that I am able to help real people with real problems every day as an attorney.
3.  What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were first admitted to practice? Being a lawyer is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy being in the moment and take care of yourself along the journey.
4. What is the biggest challenge facing you as a lawyer today? I run a busy law practice with my amazing law partner, Emily Dahm, and I am a trial lawyer. Balancing my responsibilities to my clients, my employees and to my family is the biggest challenge.
5. What is your favorite part of being a lawyer? I have tried over fifty jury trials in my career. At some point a few years back, I stopped counting. But, the feeling of standing up in front of a jury and advocating for one of my clients never gets old. It is by far and away the best part of my job.
6. What is your dream vacation? There is not enough space to fill in for all the trips I have in my head. Belize (more specifically, the island of Caye Caulker), Costa Rica (more specifically, the Osa Peninsula), Icelandic Fjords, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Namibia, Scottish Highlands, Mendoza region in Argentina, should I keep going?
7. What are you reading now? I just finished Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. I highly recommend it!
8. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? I played Division I soccer at Boston College and was the starting center forward for the Eagles. Fast forward to 2022 and I ruptured my Achilles tendon playing soccer on an indoor women’s soccer team. Pro tip – soccer is for youngsters.
9. What person, living or dead, real or fictional, would you like to have dinner with? Maya Angelou.
10. Why do you choose to be a member of the ACBA? What is the greatest benefit you have enjoyed as a member? I have dedicated my career to giving back to the community, first as a long-time public defender and now as a managing partner for a law firm that puts clients first. I see my work at the ACBA as an important part of supporting our local legal community. And, there is nothing I like better than helping young, bright lawyers succeed!

Follow Megan Burns’ example and become a member of the ACBA today! Find more information on our Why Join page.