In Memoriam
November 16, 1946 – November 9, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we write about the passing of our partner, colleague and friend, Barbara Burger.
Ms. Burger was the proud daughter of immigrants and a first generation American. She grew up in Manhattan on the Upper Westside, received a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and then graduated from Brooklyn Law School. She was one of only five women in her law school class. Ms. Burger also holds a Masters of Law in taxation from New York University.
She began her legal career as a Law Assistant in the New York County Family Court. She was also a hearing examiner for the New York City Board of Health Tribunal and the Environmental Control Board for the City of New York. Beginning in 1985, Ms. Burger entered private practice, focusing on family law and matrimonial issues as well as trusts and estates matters. She was routinely appointed as an Attorney for Children in Supreme Court and Family Court cases.
Ms. Burger’s career has touched many fortunate colleagues over the decades. She worked at Heitler & Levy, P.C. with the Hon. Sherry Heitler and Susan B. Levy (now a Family Court Referee). She then formed a partnership, Levy Grossman & Burger P.C. with Hon. Ref. Susan B. Levy and Laura (Grossman) Adams (now a Surrogates Court Attorney Referee) which then became Levy & Burger, P.C. Ms. Burger went on to form the firms Burger & Yagerman, LLP, Burger, Yagerman & Green, LLP, Burger & Green, LLP and finally Burger Green & Min LLP with partners Nancy M. Green and Richard Min.
Ms. Burger was a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York Women’s Bar Association and the New York County Lawyers Association. She was recognized by SuperLawyers as an outstanding professional in the area of Family Law. Ms. Burger was a fierce advocate for her clients and a sharp negotiator and litigator. She had an extraordinary sense of humor, was kindhearted and compassionate.
Ms. Burger was a supporter of the arts and enjoyed theatre, ballet and museums. She was a world traveler and always looked forward to her yearly trips to Paris. While she enjoyed a distinguished career as an attorney, she was proudest of her children and grandchildren and treasured spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Dr. Andrew Burger, four children (Alfred, Michael, Charles and Pamela) and seven grandchildren.
She has left an indelible impression upon us all. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.