The State - News from April 12, 1987

Berkeley attorney John Burgess, 52, who was ordered to cease practicing law three weeks ago, “basically admits culpability” on charges that he stole $947,000 from a Florida client, his attorney said. He would not say, however, whether Burgess intends to plead guilty to all the charges against him. Burgess is charged with having used part of the money he was holding in trust from the estate of a prominent Florida lawyer to pay his own taxes and personal debts--and to pay other clients from whom he embezzled money. There is also a charge of contempt of court for lying to a judge. Burgess’ lawyer, Jerrold Ladar, said Burgess is “very desirous of making restitution” and hopes that “a substantial proportion, if not all of it, can be paid back.”