Erik L. Burns

Erik L. Burns was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he continues to reside. Prior to graduating from the Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1993, Erik graduated from Catholic High School of Baton Rouge and then obtained a B.A. degree in Business Management with a minor in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Erik began his practice in downtown Baton Rouge as a solo practitioner with a diverse practice. In 1997 Erik was presented with an opportunity to move his office to Denham Springs, LA, where his practice expanded more significantly into the family law arena.

In February of 2000, Erik ventured out completely on his own and formed "Erik L. Burns, A Professional Law Corporation," where he continues to practice today. He maintains an active practice in both Baton Rouge and the entire 21st Judicial District encompassing the Parishes of Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena.

Erik's primary area of practice is specialized in all aspects of family law. He has litigated and mediated cases involving child custody, child support, spousal support and community property with inclusion of community property with inclusion of community owned legal entities.

In 2005, Erik became a Certified Family Law Mediator. He then also received additional alternative dispute resolution training by becoming certified to practice collaborative law which, a movement committed to resolution of family law issues by avoiding the courtroom. Erik also participated in couples' communication training as an effort to broaden his knowledge base and make him a more effective practitioner and mediator. Most recently Erik was asked to serve in the role as a neutral attorney in a pilot program known as the 'Better Options Co-Parenting Program.'

In addition, Erik has had the opportunity to serve as the prosecutor for the town of Walker, Louisiana from 1999 to 2008 and as Magistrate Judge for the Mayor's court for the town of Walker from 2008 to 2012. He has also served as past Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President and President for the 21st Judicial District Bar Association. Currently, Erik continues to serve on the Louisiana State Bar Association's House of Delegates. He served on the legislative committee from 2010-2013, and served on the District 5A Regional Panel pursuant to appointment by the La. State Bar Association president for the 2014-15 term.

When Erik is not working, he enjoys spending time with his sons, aged 18 and 16, as well as fishing, playing tennis, and reading. Having co-parented his own sons as a divorced father for over ten years, Erik believes he has a unique ability to relate to divorcing couples on both a professional and personal level. Erik realizes that a resolution outside of the courtroom is always the best option for couples and their children, and he is excited to join the SELA Dispute Resolution mediation team.
 
Email: elburns@eriklburnslaw.com