Q&A with Jeffrey Burr, founder of the Law Firm of Jeffrey Burr

When Jeffrey Burr decided to start his own law firm in 1983, he knew it would be a risk to specialize in only one area because most lawyers at the time were generalists.

“I figured estate planning would be a good niche, and I decided when I opened my practice that I was going to sink or swim by being a specialist,” he said. “Things were kind of lean at first, but I stuck to my plan. Today, I like to say that I know a lot about a little.”

Burr’s area of expertise involves estate planning, probate, trust administration and business planning.

“I work with families and family-owned businesses, helping them minimize taxes, grow their business, work together and come up with succession plans,” he said.

His firm now employs eight attorneys and a total staff of 28.

Burr’s family moved to Henderson in 1964, and he has spent 40 of the past 50 years in Southern Nevada. He graduated from Basic High School, earned an accounting degree from BYU and a law degree from the McGeorge School of Law.

To prepare himself for his specialty, Burr worked for two years at an international accounting firm after law school and qualified as a CPA before opening his practice back home in Henderson.

What do you like best about your job? What’s most challenging?

I like that it’s a family-oriented, positive practice. People often put off estate planning because they don’t want to think about their mortality, but when we’ve finished our work, they’re usually very grateful that they’ve made provisions for their loved ones. The most challenging part is keeping up with changes in the law, especially regarding estate planning.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My wife and I play tennis together, and I usually work out five days a week, walking or jogging. I also love spectator sports. I have season tickets to both BYU football and UNLV basketball, so I guess that makes me a dual fan.

What family activities do you enjoy?

My wife and I have a blended family, with six children altogether and eight grandchildren. We love taking the family to the beach, especially the San Clemente or Newport area.

Are you involved with any local nonprofits?

I’m really involved in the community. I was president of the Clark County School Board in the 1990s, and enjoyed it a lot. I’m currently on the board for several organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, Nevada State College Foundation, Sun Youth Camp and The Giving Tree.

What books have you read lately?

One interesting book is “The God Who Weeps” by Terryl Givens. It dispels the notion of a vengeful God and explains that God is loving and caring and wants us to succeed. On the business side, “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely is a good marketing book, and I’ve used “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey for a long time in my practice and in dealing with people.