Jim Burau’s practice focuses primarily on wealth preservation planning for higher net worth clients. He employs a counseling-oriented approach to ascertain the client’s goals, then designs a plan which integrates the client’s personal and tax-related goals with their hopes and concerns for their loved ones. To this end, he incorporates a team approach, involving the client’s financial advisors in the development and implementation of the plan where appropriate. He is also committed to the funding and follow-through elements to ensure that the client’s planning will achieve its intended results.
He has counseled hundreds of clients in regard to their estate and small business planning, allowing them to
- maintain control over their personal and financial affairs
- assure the continuation of their lifestyles
- protect their assets from excessive taxation and lawsuits
- reduce their income, gift and estate taxes
- preserve the value of their businesses
- pass their values, responsibility and work ethic to family members, and
- protect their estates from unnecessary expenses and administrative delays.
He also assists clients with real estate and commercial transactions, and the formation, administration, sale and transfer of small businesses.
Legal Specialties and Certifications
- Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law (State Bar of California), 2011
- The Esperti Peterson Institute, Advanced Wealth-Strategist Planner, 2004
Non-Legal Activities
Jim and his family enjoy living in North Lake Tahoe. They have structured their lives to enjoy the multitude of recreational opportunities that abound in the area.
Bar Associations
- State Bar of California
Member Since: 1989
Member, Trusts and Estates Section
- State Bar of Nevada
Member Since: 1990
Member, Probate and Trust Section
- Washoe County Bar Association
Member Since: 1991
- Tahoe Truckee Bar Association
Past President, Vice President, Secretary and Trustee
- Wealth Counsel LLC
Member Since: 2002
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law - J.D. - 1989
Vice President, Real Estate Law Society
- Natural Resources Management, University of Alaska - B.S. - 1981