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Review Intelligence
The Law Office Of James M Burns Pensacola Fl review signals at a glance
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Average Rating
4.1
Total Reviews
47
PI Reviews
21
Text Reviews
47
Most common themes
hopeperseveranceFlorida Bar Complaint
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Review Snapshot
4.4
191 public reviews and 47 written reviews.
Recent Activity
Most recent written review from Michael Gray: Mar 10, 2026 (150 days ago)
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Response Behavior
Replies on 12% of reviews
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The Law Office Of James M Burns Pensacola Fl client reviews
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All47 reviews
4.1
Most recent written review from Michael Gray: Mar 10, 2026 (150 days ago)
Written Reviews
47
Average Rating
4.09
Reviews (30d)
0
Reviews (90d)
0
Older Archive
47
Assigned Tags (3)
Showing 47 of 47 written reviews.
1 star
10
2 star
1
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5 star
36
Older Written Reviews
Reviews older than 30 days are kept available in pages of 12.
Mr. Burns was an excellent attorney. By the time my court finally happened (almost 6 months of delay due to the courts not sending discovery items) he got it fully dismissed. The courts didnt even attempt to go to trial to pursue criminal charges which we were both prepared for and somewhat expecting. If I ever catch myself in a pickle again then I will 100% use him to be my attorney.
10/10 recommend to a friend.
I’ve seen negative reviews and I’ve seen amazing reviews, let me tell yall my experience I got myself Burns as my lawyer my court case was coming up within a week maybe 2 and it was a felony vop in 2 counties for driving on a suspended license unknowingly! Mr burns worked his butt off to get me the outcome I was wanting, I was beyond scared I was terrified then there was Mr burns who gave me hope, kept his word! Mr.Burns my family and I truly appreciate how hard you worked for us! You are one of the greatest lawyers for criminal defense
Owner response
Ryan, I was happy to get your felony vop warrants dismissed and your wrongful arrest for dwls (driving while licencse suspended ) dropped , Insurance company was good enough (geico) to step up and let court know they made error and did nt report you had Insurance to Florida Departmkent of Highway Saftey, when you swithced carriers ,. Simple error had you heading to prison. The judge on your case sent me a personal note thanking me also.<br>Thank , <br>
It was like we already knew him attorney James M. Burns. He is very kind and very sharp. He helped solve the dilemma very quickly. He is an awesome criminal defense attorney and the paralegal who sits in the front of the office she has a very home-like atmosphere. We can't wait to see you soon!!!
Owner response
thanks so much, such a pleasure to help you and your family
Mr.Burnes is an excellent attorney. He handled my case with precision and professionalism. I've used him on more than one occasion, and he's been fantastic every time. I would highly recommend him for any criminal or family law matters.
Owner response
thanks Roosevelt really glad could help get youu a favorable result .<br><br>JMB
Mr. Burns is an excellent communicator and will give you extreme amounts of relief when it comes to a charge filed against you. He took on my case within days' notice of my court date. He is very positive, and makes you feel at ease that he can get your charges taken care of. I highly recommend Mr. Burns Attorney at Law for all of your legal needs.
Owner response
Still working on getting everything dismissed Josh , <br>JMB
If I could give a zero- I would. RUN FAR AWAY!!!!
The firm of Mr. Burns took $6,500 from me under the guise that he would represent me in my divorce and custody case. Specifically, he was hired to ensure that I would be able to see my son for the holidays or at the very least by his 12th birthday in January. After taking my money and filing an appearance in my case, they did literally nothing. I NEVER ONCE met or talked to Mr. Burns directly. Instead, his staff (who were chronically absent themselves) exploited my desperation and when I advised them that had I seen the terrible reviews BEFORE I hired them, I would have NEVER trusted them. The paralegal responded by telling me about their disgruntled clients and employees to solicit my sympathy and manipulate me into continuing to retain them, which I did until the Air Tag fail. Mr. Burns does not have a voicemail, and you cannot leave a message for him directly and each time I called, the voicemails of the employees who are listed, are always full so you can't leave a message. The firm doesn't even have their own email!!!!!!!! My goodness and willingness to be understanding has cost me the ability to see my son. They refuse to take themselves off of my case and will not return my money even though they have literally provided ZERO work on my case other than calling me with excuses and filing an appearance. Even after I gave them evidence that my abusive husband was tracking me with an air tag, mid- sentence with the paralegal, Mr. Burns left the room and literally did nothing, which resulted in my not seeing my son for the holidays or his 12th birthday. BELIEVE THE REVIEWS- I am filing a report with the bar today.
Owner response
Mrs. Gibson,<br><br>I am sorry that you are dissatisfied with the outcome and timing of your matter. Our firm was retained during the final stages of your divorce, and at no point did we guarantee—or ethically could we guarantee—the results you were seeking. As discussed prior to engagement, divorce proceedings and related issues often take time and are not resolved within a few weeks.<br><br>I am also confused by certain statements in your review. You indicate that you “never once met or talked to Mr. Burns directly,” yet you later state that Mr. Burns entered and exited the room during a meeting with our paralegal during one of your phone calls. Additionally, your claim that the firm does not have its own email is inaccurate. Our office email was used extensively throughout your case, including for the transmission of your retainer agreement and ongoing correspondence. We have well over 100 emails from you on file. Because you were not in the state at the time of retention, much of our communication necessarily occurred electronically.<br><br>While we respect every client’s right to share their experience, we believe your review does not accurately reflect the services provided or the circumstances of your representation.
I paid this attorney $4,500, and he showed up to my case completely unprepared after having 11 weeks to get ready. He didn’t know basic details about my charges — he literally had to Google the difference between burglary and theft right in front of me. That alone tells you everything you need to know.
His office was a mess, and so was he. When I first met him, he was wearing socks with a blood stain, and at court his suit was wrinkled and covered in animal hair. Zero professionalism, zero preparation, zero confidence.
We had to sit in a conference room for almost an hour just to go through paperwork because he was so unorganized and had no idea what he was walking into. Even in the lobby he raised his voice at me, which was totally unacceptable.
I honestly feel like he took my money and gave me the bare minimum effort, and because of that I didn’t get the representation I deserved. Absolutely would not recommend him to anyone.
Use this guy if you want to look like Willy Lump Lump.
Owner response
We take client feedback seriously, but the statements in this review do not accurately reflect the representation provided.<br><br>Your matter involved criminal charges that required review of discovery, applicable statutes, and potential sentencing exposure. Any discussion regarding the distinction between offenses was part of explaining the law and possible outcomes, not a lack of preparation. At no point was your case approached without preparation or diligence.<br><br>The assertions regarding my appearance and conduct are simply untrue and appear intended to demean rather than describe the legal services provided. Likewise, characterizing time spent reviewing paperwork and strategy as “disorganization” misrepresents the purpose of those discussions, which were conducted to ensure you understood the process and your options.<br><br>Legal outcomes are influenced by many factors, including the facts of the case, prior history, and prosecutorial discretion. No attorney can ethically guarantee a specific result, and dissatisfaction with an outcome does not equate to inadequate representation.<br><br>While I respect your right to express your opinion, I strongly disagree with the portrayal of my professionalism and effort in this matter.
James Burns, not only did not file
My paperwork after having months to do so. He called everyone the wrong names in court and was confused as to what was even going on. Called the plaintiff the wrong name and wrong information. Even the judge was confused. I then got a sanction myself because his office wouldn’t file my paperwork. Had to find another lawyer and then James Burns kept the five grand I had to use to retain him even after they dropped the ball on my case. I wouldn’t use him again if he was the last lawyer on earth.
Amazing! Mr Burns had one day notice of my injunction and took it on, and won! Not only did he allow me to keep my job because of it being dropped, but also gave me hope to see my daughter in the future. All his office staff seem very eager to help and willing to listen. Will not trust anyone else when it comes to my lawyer needs!!
Mr. Burns and Debbie helped me through a difficult time. They were great! I was clear in ohio, they kept me up to date and help me get what I wanted. Thank you.
James Burns came through for my dad when the situation looked rough — a violation of probation that could’ve gone the wrong way fast. Against the odds, he got him out of jail and helped our family breathe again.
James is someone I’ve known personally, and seeing him in action as an attorney just gave me even more respect for him. He handled things directly, didn’t sugarcoat anything, and got real results. He knew exactly what needed to be done and didn’t waste time.
I’m grateful — not just because he’s a friend, but because he’s a damn good lawyer. If you need someone who knows the system and knows how to move in it, he’s your guy.
Mr. Burns was an excellent attorney. By the time my court finally happened (almost 6 months of delay due to the courts not sending discovery items) he got it fully dismissed. The courts didnt even attempt to go to trial to pursue criminal charges which we were both prepared for and somewhat expecting. If I ever catch myself in a pickle again then I will 100% use him to be my attorney.
10/10 recommend to a friend.
I’ve seen negative reviews and I’ve seen amazing reviews, let me tell yall my experience I got myself Burns as my lawyer my court case was coming up within a week maybe 2 and it was a felony vop in 2 counties for driving on a suspended license unknowingly! Mr burns worked his butt off to get me the outcome I was wanting, I was beyond scared I was terrified then there was Mr burns who gave me hope, kept his word! Mr.Burns my family and I truly appreciate how hard you worked for us! You are one of the greatest lawyers for criminal defense
It was like we already knew him attorney James M. Burns. He is very kind and very sharp. He helped solve the dilemma very quickly. He is an awesome criminal defense attorney and the paralegal who sits in the front of the office she has a very home-like atmosphere. We can't wait to see you soon!!!