Meet Alicen Burtness
Alicen Burtness grew up in Orange County, California, where she developed an early and lasting connection to the local community she has always called home. She pursued her undergraduate education close to home at the University of California, Irvine, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology alongside a minor in management. Driven to advocate for others, she continued her studies at Western State University College of Law, Orange County’s oldest law school, where she earned her Juris Doctor and laid a solid foundation for her future litigation career.
Upon completing law school, Alicen began her legal practice representing injured individuals on the plaintiff side in Irvine. Over approximately eight years, she dedicated herself to fighting for people whose lives had been upended by others' negligence. This early chapter in her career allowed her to master the complexities of personal injury litigation, navigate the nuances of the claims process, and develop a deeply empathetic approach to client counseling.
Looking to broaden her legal perspective, Alicen later made the strategic decision to transition to the defense side of the courtroom. For roughly six years, she represented large, multimillion-dollar corporations and insurance carriers. That experience provided her with an invaluable, behind-the-scenes look at exactly how defense attorneys, insurance adjusters, and corporate entities evaluate personal injury claims, construct their defense arguments, and approach high-stakes injury cases.
Today, Alicen brings that extensive defense insight back to where she feels she can make the greatest impact, advocating exclusively for injured individuals and their families. Her 14 years handling high-level cases on both sides of the aisle have given her a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the civil justice system, enabling her to anticipate opposing arguments and craft highly effective strategies for her clients.
In her daily practice, Alicen is known for her warm, approachable nature and clear communication, ensuring her clients feel heard and supported throughout the entire legal process. For Alicen, representing everyday people is about far more than just winning a case in court; it is a personal commitment to empowering individuals, leveling the playing field against corporate giants, and helping people rebuild their lives with dignity.
