Johnston Burkhardt

Attorney

CONTACT

935 Gravier Street, Suite 1800
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 324-2141
Fax: (504) 534-8961
Email: johnston@snw.law

PRACTICE AREAS

  • Real Estate Transactions & Litigation
  • Divorce & Marital Agreements
  • Family Law and Interdictions
  • Family Law Mediation
  • Estate Planning and Successions
  • Criminal Expungements
  • General Counsel Services
  • General Litigation

Johnston Burkhardt joined Sternberg, Naccari & White in 2021. His diverse practice focuses on real estate litigation and transactions, family law litigation and mediation, successions and estate planning, and general litigation. Johnston is also a real estate title attorney and works closely with the firm’s associated title company, Quality Title. Johnston is a Child Custody and Visitation Mediator, and he is listed on the LSBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section's Mediator Registry.


A lifelong New Orleanian, Johnston’s interest in the law began when he was selected in high school for the Louisiana State Bar Association student internship program. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in General Business, and then obtained his Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he served as Senior Articles Editor for the Journal of Energy Law and Resources, Volume VII. 

Johnston is associated with the Louisiana, Orleans, and Jefferson Bar Associations and the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Lawyers Association. He is a former “40 under 40” honoree for the Youth Empowerment Program.


While in law school at LSU, Johnston served as legal extern for the Hon. Erin Wilder-Doomes, a Magistrate Judge at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. He also clerked during his 2L summer for the Honorable Fredericka H. Wicker at the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. 


Notably, while a law student at LSU, Johnston was SNW’s very first law clerk. He returned to the firm as an attorney after practicing family law in downtown New Orleans. Johnston is an accomplished artist, enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and cooking. While studying for the bar and preparing to practice law, Johnston was the campaign manager for a prominent Judge running for an open seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court.

  • Bar Admissions

    • Louisiana (all state courts)

  • Education

    • Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D./D.C.L.
    • Louisiana State University, B.S

  • Community and Professional Involvement

    • Louisiana State Bar Association
    • New Orleans Bar Association
    • Jefferson Bar Association
    • Youth Empowerment Program 40 Under 40 Cohort
    • St. Thomas Moore Catholic Lawyers Association

MORE ABOUT JOHNSTON

SNW and Johnston Burkhardt Launch Family Law Mediation Practice

By Johnston Burkhardt • January 27, 2026
SNW and Johnston Burkhardt Launch Divorce and Family Law Mediation Practice Divorce mediation offers a fast, respectful, private, and more affordable alternative to courtroom litigation. Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC is proud to announce the launch of its Divorce and Family Law Mediation Practice led by attorney Johnston Burkhardt, a certified Family Law, Child Custody, and Visitation Mediator. Many couples know they want a divorce, but they don’t want a fight. They want a process that is efficient, respectful, and focused on reaching a solution. Mediation offers a structured, confidential setting where spouses can resolve issues like custody, visitation, support, and property division with the help of a neutral mediator—without turning an already difficult transition into years of litigation. Why Johnston Became a Mediator As Johnston explains: “Over the years, I have been approached by spouses seeking divorce who ask me if I can represent both of them. They don't want their parents' divorce of the past – spending thousands of dollars for lawyers on each side and months of turmoil litigating every issue.” Recognizing the growing demand for collaborative, family-centered dispute resolution in Louisiana, Johnston pursued additional training and became a certified Family Law, Child Custody, and Visitation Mediator. He is listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. How Mediation Works at SNW Mediation is designed to help spouses reach clear agreements—efficiently and with dignity. Mediation sessions are guided, goal-oriented, and focused on practical outcomes. When appropriate, mediation can address: Parenting plans (custody, visitation, holidays, decision-making) Child support and related expenses Spousal support Community property partition and debt allocation Other family-law issues that benefit from a cooperative approach Mediation at SNW is charged as a flat fee and typically includes one half or one full day of mediation and the preparation of all agreements reached during the session. Spouses typically split the cost of the mediation. After the mediation is concluded, one of the parties can retain an SNW lawyer to file the documents with the court and finalize the divorce. Why Spouses Are Choosing Mediation Save in Legal Fees: Traditional divorces can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with both parties paying their own attorneys. Mediation often costs a fraction of that amount, with the parties sharing the cost of one mediator instead of multiple lawyers. Faster Resolution: Litigation can drag on for months or years. Mediation can settle the terms of a divorce in days. Private, Not Public: Mediation sessions are confidential. Keep your and your family’s personal matters out of public records and off the internet. Protect Your Children : Reduce the emotional toll on your children. Mediation fosters cooperation and helps parents build healthier co-parenting relationships. Respect Your Ex : There’s a reason you got married. You don’t have to hate this person. Let us help you navigate an emotionally responsible exit. Don’t Lawyer Up : Both parties appear unrepresented, but before an experienced, neutral mediator who knows the law. If they reach an agreement, one party retains an SNW lawyer for the purposes of filing the necessary agreed-upon documents. Schedule a Mediation Consultation If you and your spouse are looking for a more respectful, efficient path forward, SNW’s Family Law Mediation Practice may be a good fit. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Johnston Burkhardt, contact him today at johnston@snw.law or 504-313-4199. For more information on divorce and family law mediation, click here .

What to Expect in a Family Law Mediation Session

By Johnston Burkhardt • January 27, 2026
What to Expect in a Family Law Mediation Session Divorce and custody disputes are stressful enough without the added tension of the courtroom. Mediation offers an alternative approach, aimed at helping families move forward without litigation. But many spouses ask the same question before beginning the process: What actually happens in a mediation session? A Neutral Setting Focused on Resolution Mediation sessions are conducted in SNW’s office, not a courthouse. The sessions usually last a half or a full day. The mediator’s role is not to pick sides or decide who is “right,” but to guide discussion, narrow issues, and help spouses reach practical agreements on custody, support, and property. While each family is unique, common topics include: Parenting plans (legal and physical custody) Holidays and decision-making authority Child support and related expenses Spousal support Community property and debt allocation Move-away or relocation questions Communication and co-parenting expectations The mediator keeps the conversation organized and ensures each spouse has the opportunity to be heard. Mediation may occur with both spouses in the same room, or through “caucusing” — the mediator shuttling between rooms if emotions run high or communication breaks down. This structure often reduces conflict and encourages creative problem-solving. Unlike court, which depends on judges’ calendars and months of discovery, mediation typically moves quickly. Many families resolve all major issues in a half-day or full-day session. Everything discussed in mediation is confidential. Nothing said becomes public record, and neither party risks having private matters aired in open court. The focus is not on “winning,” but on reaching agreements that are workable, predictable, and beneficial to children and the family unit. If an agreement is reached during the session, the parties will sign a written agreement of the terms. The parties can provide the agreement to a lawyer to file, or they can choose to retain an SNW attorney to file the agreement with the court. Once filed with the court and signed by the judge, the agreement becomes an enforceable order of the court. If an agreement is not reached during the session, the parties can schedule an additional mediation session. About the Mediator Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and registered Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. He is a Child Custody and Visitation Mediator versed in community property partition, custody, child and spousal support, and all issues that arise during divorce. To learn more about mediation or schedule a consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law .