Michael Burt Biography – Michael Burt Wiki

Michael N. Burt is a distinguished criminal defense lawyer based in San Francisco, California. He holds a certification as a criminal specialist and operates a private practice while also contributing his expertise to the Mexican Capital Case Legal Assistance Program, as highlighted by the Federal Capital Trial Project.

Before transitioning to private practice in January 2003, Burt spent over 24 years with the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, where he served as the head trial attorney. His career has been largely dedicated to defending capital cases, with a particular focus on the complexities of forensic science for the past 18 years.

In 1998, Burt achieved a landmark victory by successfully challenging STR DNA testing in a complex multi-defendant case—the first of its kind in the nation. While his primary work is at the trial level, he also represents clients in post-conviction proceedings and has offered his expertise as a Strickland expert in numerous state and federal courts.

As the editor-in-chief of the California Death Penalty Defense Manual, Burt is a respected voice on capital case defense and forensic science. He frequently lectures across the country, sharing his knowledge and insights with others in the legal field.

Famous Cases

Burt’s high-profile cases include serving as co-counsel for Lyle Menendez during the 1993 criminal trial, which ended in a mistrial. He also represented Eric Robert Rudolph, responsible for the 1996 Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, and defended serial killer Richard Ramirez, infamously known as the Night Stalker, who was linked to at least 13 murders in the 1980s, according to COURT TV.

Recently, Burt has joined the defense team for Tyler Robinson, who faces charges in connection with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He will collaborate with Richard Novak and appointed counsel Kathryn Nester in this capital case.