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Michael Burt Biography – Michael Burt Wiki
Michael N. Burt is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in San Francisco, California. As a certified criminal specialist, he operates his own private practice and contributes to the Mexican Capital Case Legal Assistance Program. His professional profile is detailed by the Federal Capital Trial Project.
Before transitioning to private practice in January 2003, Burt spent over 24 years as the head trial attorney at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. He has dedicated the past 18 years to defending clients in capital cases, focusing particularly on issues related to forensic science.
In a landmark case in 1998, Burt successfully challenged the use of STR DNA testing in a multi-defendant trial, marking a first in the United States. While his expertise primarily lies in trial-level defense, he has also represented capital defendants in post-conviction procedures and provided expert testimony in numerous state and federal courts regarding Strickland standards.
As the editor-in-chief of the California Death Penalty Defense Manual, Burt frequently lectures nationwide, sharing his knowledge on capital defense strategies and forensic science concerns.
Famous Cases
Among his notable cases, Michael Burt served as co-counsel for Lyle Menendez during his 1993 trial, which ended in a mistrial. His high-profile clientele also includes Eric Robert Rudolph, responsible for a deadly bombing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and Richard Ramirez, infamously known as the Night Stalker, who was convicted of multiple murders in the 1980s, as reported by COURT TV.
Burt was recently joined the defense team for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He will work alongside Richard Novak appointed counsel Kathryn Nester in the capital case against Robinson.