Donald “Chris” Burnette is a licensed attorney, veteran, and Eagle Scout whose virtual practice combines legal counsel and strategic consulting for nonprofits, public-interest organizations, federal agencies, and federal-sector professionals. His work centers on helping mission-driven leaders navigate the intersection of law, policy, and public service.

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With nearly 30 years of experience in public lands management, nonprofit leadership, and administrative law, Mr. Burnette brings both legal insight and practical governance expertise to the organizations he serves. He has worked as an interim executive director, board member, and legal advisor to nonprofits across the conservation, education, and civic sectors: guiding them through formation, 501(c)(3) recognition, strategic planning, and partnership development.

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A lifelong public servant and public lands advocate, Mr. Burnette’s approach is grounded in integrity, service, and preparedness; values shaped through Scouting, military service, and over ten years of federal service, mostly within the U.S. Department of the Interior. He understands how public institutions and nonprofit missions connect, and he helps clients build the structure, compliance, and capacity to make that connection work.

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Mr. Burnette resides outside Tennessee, which remains his home and professional base. The Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC is a Tennessee-registered professional limited liability company. All legal services are limited to federal consulting, nonprofit consulting, federal law and federal jurisdictional matters in which he is authorized to practice. No services are offered under any state’s law except when incidental to a federal issue or where otherwise permitted.

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​​Memberships

• American Bar Association, Attorney Member

• American Legion, Member

• American Planning Association, Member

• Appalachian Mountain Club, Member

• Association of National Park Rangers, Member

• Coalition to Save Our Parks, Member

• Colorado Bar Association, Affiliate Member (Non-Licensed)

• Missouri Bar Association, Licensed Attorney Member

• National Eagle Scout Association, Member

• ​National Lawyers Guild, Attorney Member

• Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Member

• Scouting America, Member & Adult Volunteer

• Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, Member

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Supporter

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State Bar Licensure

• Missouri (Active) Bar #64291, admitted

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Federal Court Admissions

• U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, admitted

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Legal & Academic Education

• Saint Louis University School of Law, Juris Doctor

  • Concentration in Urban Development, Land Use, and Environmental Law

• Lindenwood University, Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration

  • Minor in Public Management

• Northern Arizona University, Extended Bachelor of Science in American Political Studies

  • Focus on Environmental Law and Policy​

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Leadership & Professional Development

• Federal Land Managers Wilderness Training Course-Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center

• Managing by Network, by the Partnership & Community Collaboration Academy for Federal Land Managers – Honors Certificate

• National Park Service- Operational Leadership for Employees and Supervisors

• Boy Scouts of America - Scout Executive Professional Development Leadership (PDL-1) Program

• Honorably Discharged US Air Force Veteran

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