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I can't say enough about this firm. Mr. Burns and his team represents my company and me personally. They have always been responsive to our calls and emails. The times Mr. Burns had to represent us in court it was organized and well delivered. I have referred him many times and wouldn't hesitate to continue.
- Amy K.
(full review)
J. Daran Burns
Founder & Partner
Born in 1967 in Jacksonville, Florida, Daran Burns moved to Marietta, Georgia, at the age of five. After graduating from Sprayberry High School in 1986, Mr. Burns attended Kennesaw State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
In 1993, Mr. Burns graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence. Subsequent to his graduation from law school, Mr. Burns opened his own practice and has since been practicing law in Northern Georgia and the greater metro Atlanta area. Upon relocating to Cherokee County over 20 years ago, he formed Burns Law Group, which became a recognizable name and top-rated law firm. In 2023, Zachary H. Smith became a partner and the firm evolved into Burns Smith Law, P.C..
Currently, attorney Daran Burns maintains a trial practice concentrating in criminal defense and family law, and has earned the reputation as a top trial lawyer in North Georgia. Mr. Burns lives in Cherokee County with his wife and two children.
Notable Achievements
- Multiple not guilty verdicts in Murder, Aggravated Assault, Molestation, Felony Drug Cases, DUI Cases and many others
- Successful representation of Cherokee County homeowner against HOA discrimination concerning the 2006 Freedom to Display the American Flag Act
- Named Super Lawyer of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022; Only top 1% of lawyers have this special designation and recognition
- Former Vice President of Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Founding member of Cherokee County Indigent Defense Firm
Education
- University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, GA
- Doctor of Jurisprudence – 1993
- Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
- B.A., Business Administration
Associations & Memberships
- Cherokee County Bar Association
- Georgia State Bar Association
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Vice President
- Indigent Defense Council for Cherokee County, Founding Member
Areas of Specialization
- Murder/Homicide
- Aggravated Assault
- Family Law & Divorce
- Alimony & Post Separation Support
- Child Custody & Visitation
- Business Law and Litigation
- Civil Law and Litigation
- Contract Disputes
- Criminal Law & Litigation
- DUI/DWI
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, 1993 (Active)
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia (Active)
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia (Active)
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia (Active)
- Georgia Court of Appeals (Active)
- Supreme Court of Georgia (Active)