John M. Severson graduated from St. Olaf College,  Northfield, Minnesota in 1973 with a degree in mathematics and thereafter, received his Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1980. 

John was employed as a computer programmer from college graduation in 1973 and worked full time through law school attendance.  After graduating, John and his wife, Nancy, moved their family from Minnesota to Florida, when John became a member of The Florida Bar and joined the law firm of John L. Burns, P.A.

Burns & Severson, P.A. was formed in the mid 1980’s and was operated by John L. Burns and John M. Severson until the death of John L. Burns in 2009.

John has an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell and is Board Certified in Wills, Trust and Estates (by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization in Education).  John is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, serving on its Practice Committee.  John is also an active member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association.

John has been active in a number of local legal and community organizations, currently acting as Trustee to the South Florida Fair and Exhibition.

John and Nancy have four children:  Andy, Eric, Craig and Amy and have been blessed with five wonderful grandchildren.