Profile
Jonathan Burton is an empathetic personal injury lawyer who listens and fights for his clients
With more than two decades of experience, he delivers transparent and client-centered legal representation
As a personal injury lawyer at Gluckstein Lawyers, Jonathan Burton pairs genuine compassion with a trauma-informed approach, listening closely to each client’s story before building a case around it. His caseload includes disability claims, occupiers’ liability matters and motor vehicle accident litigation. What sets him apart is how thoughtfully he balances the human touch with modern innovation. He embraces new technology to sharpen communication, manage files and move litigation forward.
What can a client expect when they hire you?
A lawyer with compassion who will listen and genuinely be interested in their life story. A lawyer who will be there for them and who will devote his entire energy to representing them.
How would you explain your job to a five-year-old?
I am a helper. Like doctors, nurses and therapists, I’m one member of a team that helps people recover after a serious injury. It’s my job to fight for my clients’ legal rights and help them rebuild their lives. Part of that is helping them get money to pay for things they need in their lives because of their injuries.
How has your practice changed in the past 10 years?
Technology has changed a lot: the way we communicate with clients and counsel, how we manage files, how we prepare for key litigation milestones. Meeting with clients face to face, via webcam, is something that can be done whenever necessary and without the burden and expenses of travel. With the explosion of AI, clients have access to a trove of information and resources—some accurate and some not—that they often present to their lawyers during the life of the case. Representing “the AI-informed client” is a reality that all lawyers must adapt to. Keeping up with the latest technologies is challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.
How do you make sure you are being the best lawyer for your clients?
I’m a big proponent of the “oxygen mask on the airplane” rule: you have to put your own mask on first before you can help anyone else. To be the best version of myself for anyone—clients, family, colleagues, friends—I need to make sure I am taking care of myself. This allows me to bring the focus, patience and empathy that my clients deserve. It allows me to practise active listening and take a trauma-informed approach to working with clients.
What advice would you give to a new lawyer at the start of a legal career?
Do not send an email when you’re angry. Open a fresh Microsoft Word document and type out what you want to say to the person you’re upset with. Park it. Go for a walk. Talk to an experienced colleague about how best to approach the situation. Only get back to actually sending a response when you have calmed down.
What’s the most important item in your desk drawer?
Thank-you notes from clients who’ve written to me at the end of their case. When a matter concludes and a client takes the time to express their appreciation, it reminds me why I do this work. Humans helping humans. I also keep plenty of mints. Fresh breath, even for a Zoom meeting, is important.
Jonathan Burton is available to meet with new clients or discuss referrals whenever someone needs compassionate legal representation.
Contact him today
Gluckstein Lawyers
Since 1962, we have helped clients move forward with dignity, respect and trusted experience. Celebrated as pioneers in our field, Gluckstein Lawyers is an award-winning industry leader in catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice and birth injury cases.