Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC

Helping Nonprofits Build Legal Foundations for Lasting Impact

Through structure, clarity, and confidence.

Fully Virtual Law Office

Licensed in Missouri. Practicing federal law nationwide.

Nonprofit and Federal Consulting

Legal & Strategic Solutions for Mission-Driven Organizations

You’ve built the mission. Let’s build the foundation.

Starting or leading a nonprofit takes vision—and the right legal and organizational structure to match. I help small and mid-sized nonprofits clarify their purpose, design strong governance, and navigate the path from idea to lasting impact.

Whether you’re forming a 501(c)(3), re-defining your mission, or formalizing community partnerships, you’ll have an experienced guide who understands how law, leadership, and public service intersect.

What I Do

Advisory & Legal Services for Nonprofits

Formation & Strategy – Choose the right entity, craft your mission and bylaws, and file for 501(c)(3) recognition.
Governance & Compliance – Develop board policies, conflict-of-interest standards, and state filings that protect your mission.
Partnership & Grant Agreements – Draft MOUs, contracts, and collaborative agreements that advance your programs.
Federal Interface – Guidance on grants, permits, and cooperative agreements involving agencies like DOI, USDA, or NPS.
Sustainability Planning – Build long-term capacity through structure, accountability, and proactive legal insight.

Every engagement starts with clarity—understanding where you are, what you need, and what success looks like.

My Approach

Law + Leadership + Service

My work combines legal expertise with two decades in federal leadership and nonprofit management. I don’t just write documents—I help you design systems that work.

Former federal program manager and nonprofit director
Experience drafting hundreds of MOUs, contracts, and inter-agency agreements
Background in public lands, higher education, and mission-driven organizational development

Focus Areas

Nonprofit startups & governance
Federal and state compliance
Community partnerships
Strategic growth and restructuring

How We Work Together

Accessible. Predictable. Purpose-Driven.

Your organization deserves consistent support without unpredictable hourly bills. I offer flat-fee and subscription plans for ongoing legal and strategic advising—so you can focus on impact, not invoices.

Disclaimers and Disclosures

About Me

Donald "Chris" Burnette, Esq.

Attorney-at-Law

The Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC

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, and federal-sector professionals. His work centers on helping mission-driven leaders navigate the intersection of law, policy, and public service—especially where federal systems meet nonprofit missions.

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.

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.

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 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.

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
Sierra Club, Member
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, Member
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Supporter

State Bar Licensure

Missouri (Active) Bar #64291, admitted

Federal Court Admissions

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

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

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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