More About Leighton Burrey

A Trusted Attorney in Business, Estate & Tax Law

Leighton A. Burrey is a highly respected California attorney and the founder of Business Estate & Tax Attorneys, P.C. With extensive experience in estate planning, business law, and tax law, Leighton is a seasoned litigator dedicated to protecting his clients’ best interests—whether in court or during high-stakes negotiations.

Military Background & Early Career

After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, in 2001, Leighton served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. He led legal and personnel administration for an Assault Amphibian Battalion, overseeing command investigations and military law enforcement. For his service, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

His military experience not only sparked his interest in law but also shaped his approach to client advocacy. During his service, he was involved in appointing Marines to notify families of fallen soldiers—an experience that provided deep insight into loss and the estate planning process.

“My priority is the client’s goals, and I strive to make the process as efficient as possible.”

Leighton’s Legal Career

After his service in the Marines, Leighton A. Burrey pursued a legal career with a dedicated focus on estate planning, tax law, and business law. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 2010, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2013. This advanced taxation degree equips him with the expertise to navigate complex federal and state tax issues within his trusts and estates practice.

Leighton’s early legal experience included an internship with a federal judge and a clerkship with a trusts and estates attorney. After law school, he worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Marshal Whitley at the Superior Court of Alameda County, where he gained valuable insight into the judicial process and the perspectives of the courts.

He then joined an international tax firm, representing private clients and developing strategic solutions to complex tax challenges. Later, he expanded his trusts and estates practice at a boutique law firm, where he built strong, personal relationships with clients.

Today, Leighton’s deep understanding of business, estate, and tax law allows him to offer a comprehensive legal approach. He provides strategic planning, administrative guidance, and litigation support for:

  • High-net-worth individuals

  • Closely held and family businesses

  • Charitable organizations

  • Educational institutions

  • Banks and trust companies

“I take my clients’ business personally. Planning for the future means anticipating challenges and proactively addressing them. When unexpected legal issues arise, I am committed to standing by my clients, advocating for their best interests, and securing the best possible outcomes.”

Beyond his legal practice, Leighton enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is also active in his community, contributing to organizations such as the Lafayette Rotary and the Bay Area Tax Clinic.