Contact Me

(612) 252-2833

Christopher Burns

Attorney, Shareholder

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SERVICES

Assisted By
Shaphia Ulmer
(612) 252-2872

 

PARALEGALS

Clients Say

With more than twenty-five years of experience, I provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to individuals and families navigating trust, estate, and probate matters. I take the time to understand each client’s unique priorities and implement tailored solutions to protect their interests and achieve their goals. 

My practice spans estate planning, trust and estate administration, and complex probate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship disputes. I also advise on business succession planning, antenuptial, prenuptial, and postnuptial agreements, and private foundation administration. For high-net-worth clients, I draft sophisticated planning instruments, including using tools such as grantor retained annuity trusts, spousal limited access trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and charitable trusts. 

Clients appreciate my meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering solutions that provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Whether planning for the future, managing an estate, or resolving a dispute, I approach every matter with precision, integrity, and a results-driven mindset. 

Beyond my practice, I am dedicated to community service and education. I regularly teach continuing education courses for legal, financial, and accounting professionals and have been recognized for my pro bono contributions and community leadership. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, staying active in my church, and pursuing interests in reading, writing, bicycling, and basketball. 

Burns_mybadge

Best Lawyers Award Badge

Northstar Badge

EDUCATION

  • J.D., cum laude, Syracuse University College of Law, 1999
  • B.A., University of Wisconsin–River Falls, 1995

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Minnesota
  • United States District Court, District of Minnesota

HONORS

  • Minnesota Super Lawyers honoree, 2014–present; Rising Stars honoree, 2006-2012 
  • Best Lawyers in America honoree, 2018–present 
  • Top Lawyer honoree, Minnesota Monthly Magazine, 2022-present 
  • North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2013–present; Pro Bono All-Star Designation, 2020 
  • Five Star Estate Planning Attorney for work and dedication in providing quality services to clients, 2014–present 
  • AV® Preeminent peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell, High Ethical Standing Distinction 

PROFESSIONAL

  • Minnesota State Bar Association 
  • Hennepin County Bar Association; Probate and Trust Law Section Chair, 2003-2005 
  • Twin Cities Financial and Estate Planning Councils, 2001–Present; President, 2009 
  • Christian Legal Society, 2009–Present 
  • Washington County Bar Association, 2002–2017 
  • Minnesota CLE Probate & Trust Law Section Conference Planning Committee Member, 2011–2015 

COMMUNITY 

  • The Salvation Army Advisory Board, Northern Division, 2019-Present  
  • South Washington County Scholarship Committee, Voting Director, 2018-Present 
  • Woodbury City Council, 2010-2018 
  • City of Woodbury Audit and Investment Commission, 2017-2018  
  • University of Wisconsin–River Falls, College of Business and Economics Dean’s Council, 2014-2016 
  • Minnesota Planned Giving Council, Leave a Legacy Steering Committee, 2015–2016 
  • Children’s Legacy Advisors, 2015–2016 
  • Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation Board, Appointed by Governor Pawlenty, 2005-2010 
  • Gathering of Champions and Academic All-Star Students, Volunteer and Presenter, 2005-2010 
  • St. Paul Community Foundation/Minnesota Community Foundation Cornerstone Council, 2009–2014 
  • Woodbury Street Rehabilitation Task Force, Chair, 2013  
  • Lutheran Social Service Foundation Board, 2010–2013 
  • Woodbury Business Development Committee, 2006-2010; Chair, 2008-2010 
  • Woodbury Economic Development Commission, 2005-2010 

ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS

PRESENTATIONS

  • Panelist, “Large Estate Panel: Flaunting Flexibility – Keeping Your Options Open in a Temporary World,” MN CLE Probate & Trust Law Section Conference, June 2018 
  • Presenter, “Trustee Duties Presentation,” MN CLE, September 2017 
  • Presenter, “Estate Plans: Do Not Die Without One!” MN CLE, July 2017 
  • Presenter, “Charitable Component of Estate Planning,” MN CLE, April 2016 
  • Presenter, “Summary of Heckerling Institute,” Twin Cities Estate Planning Council, February 2016 
  • Presenter, “Balancing Act…Sandwich Generation Seminar,” AdvisorNet, January 2016 
  • Presenter, “Heckerling Update,” Twin Cities Estate Planning Council, January 2016 
  • Moderator, “Experienced Corporate Trustee Panel,” Twin Cities Financial & Estate Planning Council, January 2014 
  • Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples,” Financial Planning Association, October 2013 
  • Co-Presenter, “DTT (Divorce, Death, and Taxes),” 39th Annual Probate and Trust Law Section Conference, June 2013 
  • Presenter, Estate Planning for Mid-Career and Pre-Retirement Professionals, Ft. Snelling Federal Employee Seminars, 2002–2013 
  • Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning in Uncertain Times: Divorce, Death, and Taxes,” Twin Cities Estate Planning Council, October 2012 
  • Presenter, “Estate Planning for the Family Cabin,” St. Croix Advisors, June 2011 
  • Presenter, “Preparing Your Estate Plan,” Edward Jones, Spring 2011 
  • Presenter, “Non-Traditional Estate Planning–Brady Bunch to Modern Family,” AdvisorNet, Spring 2011 
  • Presenter, “Estate Taxes in 2011 and Beyond,” Thrivent National Sales Telephone Conference, Spring 2011 
  • Presenter, “Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts,” Thrivent National Sales Meeting, Fall 2010 
  • Featured Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning and the Use of Trusts,” Ameriprise Affluent Client Seminar Series, April 2010 
  • Presenter, “Estate Planning in Uncertain Times,” Association of Lutheran Development Executives, April 2010 
  • Presenter, “You Can’t Take ‘It’ With You–How You Can Leave ‘It’ Behind,” Farmers Insurance Advanced Life Training Luncheon; Cardinal Pointe Cooperative; Woodbury Lutheran Church; CPE Seminar; and other seminars 

NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE

  • Guest appearance, Bloomberg TV, Lifestyles of the Rich, Famous and Furry on What’d You Miss, February 2019 
  • Guest appearance, ABC News Good Morning America and KSTP-TV, on the topic of Prince’s estate and Minnesota’s intestacy laws 
  • Guest appearance, KARE-11, regarding estate planning considerations for pet owners 
  • Guest appearance, WCCO-TV’s 4 News on Sunday, concerning estate planning 
  • Multiple guest appearances, WCCO-Radio, on various estate planning topics 
  • Featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Today’s Spotlight 
  • Featured in Woodbury Magazine article regarding community and education work 

ARTICLES & NEWS

CLIENTS SAY