Bonjour, Thorman, Burns & Dahm is a law firm with offices in Pleasanton, Oakland, and Fremont that was established in 1973. Many of the firm’s cases are referred by judges, other lawyers, and former clients, as the firm’s attorneys have a widely regarded excellent reputation and longstanding successful track record.
Megan T. Burns, J.D., is a Partner at the firm. She has tried over fifty jury trials and is regularly invited to speak about trial skills by professional organizations and public agencies. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Alameda County Bar Association (President-Elect) and is a member of the Earl Warren Inns of Court, which is an organization that works to increase professionalism and provide mentoring within the Alameda County legal community.
GGBA: Please tell us more about your firm and its areas of expertise.
Megan Burns: We are a small law firm that specializes in criminal defense and plaintiff personal injury matters. Our core mission is to represent “real people with real problems.” Before going into private practice, I was a long-time San Francisco public defender. My co-managing partner, Emily Dahm, was also a long-time San Francisco public defender. Our extensive trial experience allows us to aggressively and adeptly fight for our clients. There is nothing we love more than helping the little guy and we do that every day, either advocating for our clients charged with a crime or fighting for a just and fair settlement for our personal injury clients who were injured through no fault of their own.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join this firm, in particular?
Megan Burns: Emily and I were lucky enough to have two amazing mentors in Jules Bonjour and Michael Thorman. Jules and Michael founded the law firm close to fifty years ago. Emily and I are now the co-managing partners of a thriving small law firm based in the East Bay that has an excellent reputation for professionalism and trial advocacy.
GGBA: Aside from your mentioned mentors, who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your work?
Megan Burns: Two of my role models are well-known members of the San Francisco LGBTQIA community, Judge Teresa Caffese and San Francisco Public Defender Niki Solis. These two amazing lawyers—one is now a judge in San Francisco—taught me everything I know about how to be a fearless and effective trial attorney. This includes showing a lot of compassion for our clients and always being guided by the best interests of the client.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?
Megan Burns: I recently joined GGBA about a year ago and I am so glad that I did! As the incoming President of the Alameda County Bar Association, I believe in bringing diverse groups together and it is so important that the LGBTQIA community is at the table.
GGBA: Although you have only been a GGBA member for about a year, has being a member helped your business so far?
Megan Burns: I have not seen a directly positive impact on my business through membership in the GGBA. However, I am certainly honored to support all the various members of GGBA and [to help] their businesses thrive.
GGBA: Do you go to the GGBA monthly Make Contact networking events? Have they benefited you and your business, and would you recommend them to others?
Megan Burns: I recently attended the 2023 GGBA Power Connect and was so inspired by the different speakers and enjoyed getting to meet other GGBA members.
GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?
Megan Burns: Ask lots of questions and seek out mentors. You may put your spin on the type of business that you want to open but there are plenty of people out there who have been in your shoes before and would be happy to give advice on how to get started.
For more information about Bonjour, Thorman, Burns & Dahm: https://www.bonjourandthorman.com/
Tuesday, October 24
GGBA October Board of Directors Meeting
5:30–7:30 pm
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Wednesday, November 8
LGBTQ+ Real Estate Investors Monthly Meetup
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501 Castro Street
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Chase for Business LGBTQ+ Series:Cyber Security
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560 Mission Street & online
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GGBA November Make Contact
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Tuesday, November 28
GGBA November Board of Directors Meeting
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Tuesday, December 12
GGBA Annual Holiday Party with the San Francisco Bay Times
6–10 pm
The Academy SF
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GGBA Member Spotlight
Published on October 19, 2023
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