I knew I would like attorney L. Brooks Burdette from the moment I began emailing with her about Local Legal Guide. Even via email, where most personality, inflection, and tone is often lost; Brooks’ down to earth and congenial nature shined through the typically personality-impeding nature of email correspondence.
Brooks grew up in Trussville and she loves it here. When Brooks had the opportunity to open her law practice; she knew she would only feel right in Trussville. She renovated a house from the 1940s as the office for her practice. Its character and charm are beautifully fitting for Brooks and her law firm.
Before receiving her Juris Doctorate in 1997, L. Brooks Burdette served as a Law Enforcement officer for an Alabama community for over 12 years. It was this service that solidified her heart’s desire to practice law. Eight of the twelve years Brooks worked within a juvenile unit and saw a great need for an advocate for children and families.
Brooks works tirelessly to be that advocate for her clients. She tells me that her clients are “people not file numbers” and that the “best compliment that I get from clients is that I am approachable”. Brooks is more than approachable, her friendly and open demeanor instantly puts her clients at ease. Despite her amicable nature Brooks is quite the opposite in the courtroom, Brooks says; “I save my intimidation for the courtroom”.
While she is an aggressive advocate in the courtroom and has a plethora of successes to show for it; Brooks’ forte is mediation. Brooks knows that long after the ink has dried on any legal document that there are still people who are involved and intimately tied to each other. In Family Law especially there are still children, parents, grandparents, and entire families that exist beyond the paperwork. Brooks understands that to her clients, these cases are not simply legal issues, they are their lives.
Brooks’ Firm is conveniently located off Hwy 11 on Glenn Avenue in Trussville. The office is a beautifully renovated 1940s home that she shares with another local attorney.
Practice Areas
Brooks practices a number of areas of law including Probate, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Real Estate Law.
Within the area of Probate Law Brooks’ practice includes Estates, Wills/Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Guardianships, and Conservatorships.
In regard to Family Law, Brooks is versed in all aspects including Custody, Paternity, and Dependency. Brooks also intimately understands that families involved in family law cases will often still need to get along long after the ink has dried on their legal documents. She is an expert at mediation, and at working together for amicable and cost-effective solutions for all the parties involved.
Having served for over twelve years as a police officer Brooks has an advantageous perspective in the area of Criminal Law. Her practice includes representation for a litany of Criminal Law issues, including; DUI, Public Intoxication, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Harassment, and Theft (Shoplifting).
Brooks also offers legal services in regard to the legal practice area of Real Estate for both Contracts and Deeds.
Services
Brooks takes great care with every client. She will be the attorney that you work with for all of your needs: You will not be subbed out to a legal secretary, paralegal, or an associate.
When you walk into Brooks’ office you will instantly be comfortable as the décor is the perfect balance of rustic elegance and English country which immediately puts people at ease with its textbook equilibrium of aesthetic appeal and comfort. The design of the renovated home and the décor genuinely set the tone for what a client can expect to experience with Brooks as their attorney which is, quite simply; as pleasant of an experience as at all reasonable for the legal need they have.
Education, Qualification, Licenses & Memberships
Brooks has been practicing law for over 18 years. Prior to being an attorney she served as a law enforcement officer for 12 years, 8 of which were within a juvenile unit.
Brooks went to high School at Hewitt Trussville, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Montevallo, and her Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law in 1997.
Brooks is a member of the Alabama State Bar and is licensed to practice in all courts throughout the state of Alabama.
Brooks also frequently appears on LawCall a live legal call in show on Fox 6. View Brooks’ appearance in the March 13, 2016 LawCall Episode.
L. Brooks Burdette answers Important Legal Questions
Q: Do I need a Power of Attorney?
A: Yes! All adults should have a power of attorney in place should they ever be rendered incapable of handling their own affairs. In 2012 the Alabama legislature enacted the Alabama Uniform Power of Attorney Act which added a layer of complexity to the standard Power of Attorney, including the need for specificity of language in assigning the powers that are granted to a named agent assigned by the POA.
Q: If I have a Power of Attorney do I need a living will?
A: Yes! And here is the great news: Brooks will create a living will for you at no charge, even if you are not an existing client! A living will and health care proxy or Advance Directive for Healthcare in Alabama serves to make your wishes known should you be rendered unable to speak for yourself in a healthcare setting, it also allows you to assign a separate healthcare proxy to make these wishes known, and further act on your behalf.
Q: I do not have anything or much of value, do I still need a will?
A: Yes. Everyone does! Everyone has loose ends that will need attention upon their passing. Wills are not as cost prohibitive as you might think. Please contact me if you need a will and I will work with you to make sure your loose ends are taken care of.
Q: Why can’t I just write my own will or use one of those documents off the internet?
A: You could, but you do not want to. Those documents off the internet typically only cover general common law principles, and unfortunately it is very easy to make a mistake, or have an omission that would be costly (typically greatly beyond that of the cost of a will prepared by an attorney) for your loved ones when trying to execute the wishes you have outlined in your last will and testament. Unfortunately, utilization of the automated Legal Systems that Zoom you through the process are often outdated and have left room for wills to be contested. Interestingly enough it is when they receive notification that a will has been contested that they update their system. With the personal attention of an attorney who cares about you; you can have a comprehensive will and peace of mind that your loved ones will have one less thing to worry about.
Contact L. Brooks Burdette at the Burdette Law Firm, P.C.
To contact Brooks at the Burdette Law Firm call (205)661-1800, or email L. Brooks Burdette at brooks@burdettelaw.com. The Burdette Law Firm is conveniently located just off Hwy 11 at 113 Glenn Avenue in Trussville, Alabama.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. You are urged to consult an attorney concerning your own situation on any specific legal questions you may have. This website is not a privileged communication and does not create a lawyer/client relationship. The Alabama State Bar requires the following: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.