John Burke, Attorney

John Burke focuses his practice principally in the areas of Collaborative Family Law, Estate Planning, and Mediation. 

John is a strong believer in, and supporter of, the Collaborative Practice movement in the area of family law, and especially for divorces.  He believes that for a significant majority of the divorces, it is possible to have the couple resolve the issues involved with a divorce without having to go through the stress and trauma of court hearings or a trial.  This can also result in a healthier post-divorce relationship, which can be very important when there are children involved.  

John has completed the training recommended by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and has continued to attend supplemental collaborative training in an effort to provide the best possible service to his clients.

John is also an officer and director of both Collaborative Professionals of Washington, and of Spokane County Collaborative Professionals.  These state-wide and local organizations are active in an effort to educate both the public and the legal profession about Collaborative Practice, and the revolutionary way it helps individuals resolve their cases.

For estate planning, John concentrates on small and medium sized estates.  It is his philosophy that everyone should have access to affordable estate planning; not just the very wealthy.  His emphasis on the small to middle sized estates allows him to provide affordable estate planning to a large segment of the public who might otherwise go without the benefit of a lawyer to guide them in structuring their estate plans.

Something unique about John is that he brings an extensive mix of past "non-lawyer" experience to his law practice.  Prior to attending law school at Gonzaga, John had a very successful business career, and also served the country as an Air Force officer for four years immediately after earning his bachelor degree in 1973.   It is this combination of practical business experience and legal training that gives John a unique and deeper understanding of the desires and/or issues that cause a person to seek legal assistance.

While attending law school at Gonzaga, John became involved with the Legal Clinic where he specialized in Elder Law issues, which included estate planning.  Upon graduating with honors (magna cum laude) from Gonzaga University School of Law, John started his law career as an associate at the law firm of Reed & Giesa P.S., one of the premier boutique litigation firms in this region.  In 2005, John decided to leave Reed & Giesa to pursue his dream by establishing his own law firm, Burke and Associates Law Office PLLC. 

John and his wife have 8 children, and 6 grandchildren.  He has volunteered for various youth groups, including the Boy Scouts in various positions including Scout Master, and for 5 years as a High School Junior Achievement Advisor.  He is an avid outdoorsman and do-it yourselfer.  He loves virtually all water sports, including scuba diving.  His children grew up with horses, and he (or more accurately his wife) currently owns four horses.  For new challenges, John recently earned his private pilot certificate.