Ann Burn’s client relationships center around a holistic understanding based on their needs and concerns. Ann believes that addressing both the legal and personal aspects of a client’s situation is essential for success. “By understanding what motivates people and where their insecurities lie, I strive to provide solutions that resolve both tax and legal issues while also addressing personal concerns. My approach is to create an open and practical dialogue, helping clients articulate their needs and make informed decisions.” One client shared, “I cannot adequately convey how important Ann is to our efforts and many of our clients.”

Ann Burns assists business owners and families in matters pertaining to estate and charitable gift planning, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, and fiduciary and tax litigation.

Representing multi-generational families of wealth across the country, Ann Burns excels in managing relationships with trustees and advisors, ensuring that a client’s estate plans are financially sound and reflect their core personal values. Her adeptness at handling fiduciary controversies in state and federal courts is complemented by her reputation for clarity and sensitivity in addressing the unique interpersonal dynamics that often accompany estate planning.

Ann’s invaluable assistance to business owners and families include:

  • Business succession planning
  • Closely Held & Family Business
  • Estate and charitable gift planning
  • Fiduciary and tax litigation.
  • Litigation
  • Trust & Estate Litigation
  • Trusts, Estates & Legacy Planning

Her background as a certified public accountant (inactive) enriches her legal practice with a deep understanding of tax law and financial planning, providing clients with practical and insightful guidance. Ann’s knowledge in the field has been recognized through her election as President of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, where she has been a regent since 2013. Her dedication to sharing insights is further demonstrated by her role as a featured speaker at the Salvation Army’s annual Estate and Charitable Gift Planning Institute. She has also served as a past practice group chair at the firm.

Outside of her legal practice, Ann’s service on the board of trustees for The Minneapolis Foundation underscores her dedication to promoting education, economic development and civic engagement within the community.

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became an attorney because working with families to pass on their legacies and ensure the success of future generations is incredibly fulfilling. Helping clients navigate these important decisions and secure their family’s future gives me a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy street photography, studying Italian and traveling. I also love reading and spending time with my kids and granddaughter.

Areas of Focus

Services

Credentials

Education

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School (J.D., 1981)
  • Iowa State University (undergraduate degree, 1978)

Clerkship

  • Law clerk for the Honorable Judge Donald R. Ross, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Tax Court

Recognitions

  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America©, 1995-2025
  • Minnesota Monthly, "Minnesota's Top Lawyers," 2022, 2024
  • Fellow, The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
  • Chambers High Net Worth Guide, "Leading Practitioner of Private Wealth Law," 2019-2024
  • Thomson Reuters, "Minnesota Super Lawyers®," 2012-2024
  • "The Top 50 Women," 2010-2024
  • "The Top 100," 2017-2024
  • "The Top 100 Women," 2005-2009
  • Minnesota Lawyer, "Minnesota ICON," 2023

Presentations

  • Presenter, "Business Succession Planning – It's a Family Affair," 60th Annual Heart of America Tax Institute, November 3, 2023
  • Presenter, "Case Studies on Family Business Succession Planning – What Works and What Doesn’t," 42nd Annual Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium, May 5, 2023
  • Podcast Guest, "Supporting and Mentoring Female Estate Planning Attorneys," ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk, December 13, 2022
  • Co-presenter, "Friday Night Lights - an Illuminating Look at Closely Held Entities - Considerations in the Liquidation of a Closely Held Entity and Other Alternatives," ACTEC Fall Meeting, November 4, 2022
  • Co-presenter, "Business Planning Strategies – Tips, Traps, and Common Mistakes in Estate Planning for Business Owners," Estate Planning Council of St. Louis, October 24, 2022
  • Presenter, "Keeping It All in the Family: Business Succession Planning Strategies to Keep the Family and the Business Intact,” 40th Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium Annual Conference, April 23, 2021
  • Co-presenter, "Saving the Best for Last: Ethical Dilemmas Estate and Business Planners Face," 36th Annual Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium, April 2017
  • Panelist, "Disclaimers," American Bar Association Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section CLE, February 2017
  • "Don't Put Your Clients' Estate Plans on the Shelf," What Matters Most 2016 in Trusts & Estates Practice, Minnesota CLE, October 2016
  • Co-presenter, "The Annual Estate Planning Check-Up," 24th Annual Estate & Charitable Gift Planning Institute Seminar, The Salvation Army, September 2016
  • "Family Businesses: Keep It, Sell It, Give It Away," 35th Annual Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium, April 2016
  • Co-presenter, "Tailoring the Estate Planning Wardrobe: Adapting Traditional Techniques for a Better Fit," 23rd Annual Estate & Charitable Gift Planning Institute Seminar, The Salvation Army, September 2015
  • Co-presenter, "Entering and Exiting Estate Planning Strategies in the Current Tax Law Environment," ACTEC Annual Meeting, March 2015
  • "Representing Families and Fiduciaries," 22nd Annual Estate & Charitable Gift Planning Institute Seminar, The Salvation Army, September 2014
  • Co-presenter, "Where Do We Go From Here? Planning Strategies for the Small, Medium and Large Estate," 22nd Annual Estate & Charitable Gift Planning Institute Seminar, The Salvation Army, September 2014
  • Co-presenter, "Estate Planning Best Practices for Large Estate Business Interest Owners," ACTEC Summer Meeting, June 2012
  • Co-presenter, "How to Handle the Toughest Issues in the Operation and Succession of a Family Business," ACTEC Summer Meeting June 2012
  • "They Say You Can't Take It With You--But How Do You Give It Away? Using The $5 Million Exclusion Amount," 46th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2012
  • Co-presenter, "Integrating the Estate Plan with Business Succession Planning," 44th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2010
  • Co-presenter, "Qualified Disclaimers--What Part of 'No' Don't You Understand," 44th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2010
  • "Thanks, But No Thanks--Disclaiming Assets, Interests, and Powers," 44th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2010
  • "Deductive Reasoning: Section 2053 Proposed Regulations--Take the Guesswork out of Deductible Claims," 41st Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2008
  • "Life Settlements, an Overview," ACTEC Business Planning Committee, March 2007
  • Moderator, "A Wild Decade at Mid-Life," 40th Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2006
  • "Mathematics and Economics for Estate Planners," Cannon Financial Estate Planning Webcast, May 2005
  • "Tax Controversy Work: Winning Cases through Mastering Procedure," 39th Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, University of Miami School of Law, January 2005
  • "The IRS Appeals Process," ACTEC Annual Meeting, June 2003

Publications

  • Co-authored, "Business Succession Planning Answer Book," Commerce Clearing House, January 2011
  • "Disclaiming Assets, Interests, and Powers," LexisNexis 2010 Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, Volume 44, January 2010
  • "The Increased Exemption Creates Opportunity," Trusts & Estates, March 2009
  • "Section 2053 Proposed Regulations," Trusts & Estates, July 2008
  • "Deductible Reasoning: Section 2053 Proposed Regulations--Take The Guess Work Out of Deductible Claims," LexisNexis 2008 Heckling Institute on Estate Planning, Volume 42, January 2008

Professional Activities

  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Immediate Past President, 2022; President, 2021; President-elect, 2020; Vice President, 2019; Treasurer, 2018; secretary, 2017; regent, 2013–present; fellow, 1995–present; Business Planning Committee, chair, 2014–2018

 

Community Involvement

  • The Minneapolis Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2011–2020
  • Greater Twin Cities United Way, Founding Member, Women's Leadership Council and Annual Campaign Cabinet, 2009–2011