I wish it were possible to give negative stars on Yelp, but I also wish I could have a lemon-yellow Lotus Elise to do my grocery runs, as it's the perfect stylish SF errand car. Tom Burns is so incompetent that, even as bad as he f**ked me over, I still ended up feeling sorry for him,. Seriously, dude, just put the bag over your head and end it already! I was in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which-- for those of you fortunate enough to have never been through this process, and thus don't know the finer points-- means you are making scheduled payments to satisfy a portion of your debts, instead of discharging them outright, as you would in Chapter 7. The reason for this is that taxes are not dischargeable in bankruptcy unless the returns have been on file for two years prior to your filing, and mine weren't. It's a nitty-gritty technicality, I know-- but the devil is in the details. And understanding details is why you get paid as a lawyer. And yes, I told Burns about my tax status, but he didn't listen 'cuz he didn't think it important. It was. I can give you 90,000 reasons why. So, I owed the IRS and California $90,000 in taxes on hypothetical profits I never actually saw in the dot-com days. I had declared bankruptcy in 2005 and had that debt reduced to about $10,000 of the principal, to be paid over five years. And I made my scheduled payments regularly for three years. Well, when the housing bubble popped in 2008, I lost my job again, and could no longer make my scheduled payments. I got something like three payments behind. All I needed was for an attorney to stand up for me at the court and ask for a modified plan, to defer some payments and roll them into larger payments when I got working again. Three years into a five-year plan, with a good payment history, I had a slam dunk shot at approval of a modification; I just needed to go through the process. Instead, Tom Burns had the idea that we could convert my Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 and get rid of my debts for good and all. I told him, based on my tax situation and my understanding of the law, that this wouldn't work. Mr. Tom Burns, Esquire, became bitchy and impatient, and told me to just follow his advice. I knew it was a bad idea, but he was the lawyer.... Well, as soon as we did what he advised and converted my case to a 7, yes, my minor credit card and consumer debt, approximately $8,000, got discharged, but the full amount of the tax debt came back, all $90,000. And when I corresponded with him about his error in advice, he told me just to accept it. He said he had come into the case late, and didn't understand the facts of my case or the applicable law. This despite the fact that I had tried to tell him, and he wouldn't listen. Ooops! Tom Burns never took the time to understand either the actual facts of my case nor the applicable law-- which is pretty much the definition of malpractice. More to the point, if the assumptions he had made-- in absence of actually understanding the facts of my case-- were true, I would have been in a Chapter 7 to begin with. Tom Burns has a law degree from the commuter college at Golden Gate University. He should have taken the medical assistant track, which I've heard is excellent. In meeting with him, I noted he has a very hard time absorbing and synthesizing facts and aligning them with a legal strategy, which is a core part of being an attorney. Burns, like many incompetent people, is extremely unpleasant and rude to his clients. He obviously hates the practice of law precisely because he is just no damn good at it. I heartily hope Tom Burns finds a profession he likes and is suited to, but practicing law just ain't it. Maybe he could get a job washing cars at the Lotus dealership.... read more

I used the Burns office for a business bankruptcy and was pleased with the services and results. My expectations were met 100% mainly because Mr. Burns was very good at spelling out what the bankruptcy would entail and what hurdles needed to be crossed. I would definitely recommend him. I did some shopping around and found his fees reasonable. read more

I consulted Thomas Burns several years ago. At the time, I was struggling to support myself with an online business. My income was very erratic from month to month, and although my credit-card debt wasn't "that" much, I was having difficulty making even minimum payments. Mr. Burns was not only very conscientious and thorough, but very kind and pleasant. He had the whole process down to a science, and made it very simple and easy for me. His fee was very modest and worth every penny-- and it would have been worth every penny even if he had charged twice as much! I consider myself lucky to have found such a good attorney to handle my case, and highly recommend Mr. Burns to anyone who is contemplating filing for bankruptcy! read more

He listens and provides great advice. He charges a decent fee. Delivered a smooth and painless case.

I have known Tom professionally for about 20 years. He has always been prompt and willing to share information. He has the experience to deal with consumer bankruptcy cases. read more

Unfortunately, I have had to file 2 bankruptcies in the last ten years. Thank goodness I found Tom Burns's office. He is exceptional. The first time was 10 years ago when I was young and a bit reckless financially. I hated to do it, but had no choice since my income was being garnished by a creditor. It was very painful, but I was so pleased that I found Tom Burns to help me out. He was a gem. No judgments, no lectures, just a caring even-keeled approach (yes, that from a lawyer!!). I thought I would never see him again. This time I am married and have a family and both my wife and I were laid off within 6 months of each other in 2010. I lost track of my prior case, but found Tom again through an internet search and am so glad I did. We were behind on mortgage payments, car payment, credit cards, taxes. Ended up being a real mess. It's amazing how quickly things pile up after income gets cut in half. We filed a Chapter 13 last year and things could not be better. We have experienced a 100% turnaround. I'm sleeping at night and we are on the right track. It helps that we are both employed again, but really needed the "reorganization" to help us stay afloat. I started by saying unfortunately, but we are very fortunate to have Tom Burns on our side. We recommend you contact his office if you have debt problems. I think, like me, most people want to make this their last resort, but overall I am very glad to be done with it and get the fresh start as they say. There is no finer attorney than Tom Burns and all the people who work at his office. Call him. read more

I filed bankruptcy due to bad business debt from a failed company I owned. Thomas Burns helped me with this to satisfactory results. He was adequate at least. If I had to lob a few constructive critiques at him they would be: 1) He seemed much more friendly and interested in my case before he got the check for $3,000. 2) His follow through after the fact (because you still need to send letters to your creditors that think they can harass you after you've been approved for bankruptcy) was not great. I asked him/his office for confirmation on several occasions (i.e. write back saying, "Done") and never got it. I would have to call or walk in to get an answer. This seems to be related to number 1. 3) I got the distinct impression that he didn't like me at all. Maybe he just doesn't like his job and (like so many people) feels trapped in it. I think that his affect and demeanor should at least try to hide his disdain for his clients if that's what it is. 4) He needed to be reminded several times of things I had told him. I understand that I was not his only client, but does that mean he can't keep track of things in a folder and keep them organized? Paralegal? Receptionist even? Anyway, excluding two debts which were not dischargable, I was able to clear out a huge error in judgement from my past and not spend the rest of my life paying off the failed business choice I made. It is my opinion that Thomas Burns is mostly competent, but I would not recommend him in all honesty. read more

If you're considering bankruptcy and are grappling with all the emotions that accompany the decision (pain? shame? sadness?), then I say you should walk--no run--away from this guy. He was fine up until the time he collected his money at the start of the process. After that, he appeared completely disinterested, insensitive, even cold. He went through the motions (and I don't mean legal) but didn't pay attention to the details, and in the end, his lack of attention to detail created a huge problem for me, which I would prefer not to go into here. Suffice it to say, there are plenty of bankruptcy attorneys out there and if I were you I'd keep shopping around. read more

Over the past thirty years in my professional life, I have interacted with several attorneys. In the 3 years prior to filing for bankruptcy, I researched and interviewed many attorneys so I had a good handle on what to look for. I was looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, strong, skilled, has character, and who also knows exactly how the system works. I am so very fortunate to have found Mr. Burns! He is an exceptional attorney who is detail oriented, patient, direct, efficient and kind. He responded very quickly to questions too which is important for such a difficult experience. I absolutely recommend him! read more

Tom Burns is a wonderful Bankruptcy Attorney, if i could give 10 stars i would. I actually originally went with Tom over the other attorney in his suite simply bec he was less expensive, but it turned out to be the best decision I couldve made. At a time when i was really in financial trouble and was about to get a large wage garnishment, Tom was wonderful, efficient, and best of all totally honest! 2 times during my Ch 13 Bankruptcy case he saved me from getting my Chapter 13 dismissed by the trustee. He just is one of those attorneys you are so glad you have on your side. Im writing this right now with another potential issue with my case, but regardless of how things turn out, i know that he will 1. Tell me the truth 2. Give me the best advice possible 3. Do his best to help... If you have a potential bankruptcy you would be wise to call Tom Burns. read more

I had a great experience with Tom! I received a court summons and in a moment of panic decided to file bankruptcy. I had a consultation with Tom and he thoroughly explained all of my options and answered all of my questions. I then asked him to go ahead and file and paid his fee the next day. That night I spoke with my brother and realized that my decision to file was a little rash due to my panicking about the court summons, and I decided not to file. I contacted Tom the next day and he was unbelievably understanding. Not only did he return all of my paperwork the next day, but refunded the entire amount of his fee! I was floored when I got the check. I could not believe there was an attorney out there that would not at least charge me for a couple of hours. Thanks, Tom!!! read more

Tom handled two different issues for me, and I am more than satisfied with his performance on both. He did a good job of letting me know what to expect at each step in the process, provided excellent guidance and (most importantly to me) was extremely responsive to questions and requests. One of these issues was unusually complicated and drawn out, but Tom went well beyond the call of duty and succeeded in helping me deal with it. My comfort and confidence throughout this process were bolstered by Tom's efforts. As an added bonus, I found him very personable and easy to deal with. I would recommend Tom without reservation. read more

First, let me say Attorney Thomas Burns is not my attorney - but he willingly provided professional guidance (or free consultation) to my wife, a real-estate broker, with a client presently in bankruptcy court in S.F. (who already has a bankruptcy attorney). It is very rare indeed to obtain free consultation from any attorney - some even charges you as he breathes! Incidentally, two close members of my family are attorneys and my late father was a lawyer and then a judge. Again, my wife and I really appreciate the guidance given by Mr. Thomas Burns without hesitation! It helps my wife completing and expediting the sale process for her real-estate client. Thanks again, Mr. Burns! read more

We live in an overwhelming world in an overwhelming city and while we think nothing of talking about the most intimate of subjects with people we barely know... the ugly subject of money is never discussed even with our closest friends and family...while every day we see more concern for just how much longer can San Francisco renters continue to live beyond their means ($8000 for a 3 bedroom at Market and Dolores!?!?!?!?!?!) and yet we still find ways to buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't know. ENOUGH. I called Tom Burns when I was at my most overwhelmed. Professional, smart, responsive and kind with a staff I would describe as the same, if you're needing some help on that subject you can't discuss with anyone else, don't hesitate to call Tom. You will feel better and more in control after the first hello. Stress kills...it might save your life. read more

A friend of mine recently used Thomas for his bankruptcy. He was professional, knowledgeable and understanding. I would highly recommend Mr. Burns. read more

I was really lucky to have been referred to Tom Burns. I was really in a lot of trouble with my creditors and Tom was calm and patient with me. He made the whole process very easy for me to understand. Tom was always available to me. He responded to my emails right away. I had one creditor that wouldn't stop bothering me and one phone call to Tom took care of it. read more

Tom Burns has worked on a number of legal issues for me. Each time I found him personable and friendly, easy to communicate with, and a careful listener. He was generous with his time and answered all of my many questions. Most importantly Tom successfully resolved all of the issues. Tom's response to me was speedy, his staff is helpful and friendly, his advice is excellent, and his judgment is sound. I cannot say enough good things about him, and I can recommend him unconditionally. Bravo! read more

My spouse and I saw Pat McMahon and Tom Burns earlier this year for a bankruptcy. They were both very nice and from most of the other reviews I can see that they seem to be good attorneys. However, we went with another attorney because she used a more detailed means test and six-month averaging to determine that by delaying filing for one month we were eligible for chapter 7, whereas Pat and Tom both felt that we made too much money for chapter 7 and would only be eligible for chapter 13. read more