Donald “Chris” Burnette is a licensed attorney, Air Force veteran, and Eagle Scout whose practice focuses on helping veterans, federal employees, and mission-driven organizations navigate complex federal systems. His work centers on the intersection of law, public service, and administrative processes, including VA benefits, federal employment rights, and relationships between nonprofit organizations and federal agencies.

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With nearly thirty years of experience across military service, nonprofit leadership, and federal administration, Mr. Burnette brings both legal insight and practical experience to the clients he serves. Before founding his law practice, he spent more than a decade working inside federal agencies, primarily within the United States Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. This experience provides a practical understanding of how federal systems operate in practice and how individuals and organizations interact with those systems.

 

Mr. Burnette has also served as an interim executive director, board member, and legal advisor to nonprofit organizations working in conservation, education, and civic engagement. In these roles he has helped guide organizations through formation, 501(c)(3) recognition, governance development, strategic planning, and partnerships with federal programs.

 

A lifelong public servant and public lands advocate, Mr. Burnette approaches legal work through the lens of stewardship, integrity, and preparedness. These values were shaped through Scouting, military service, and years of work in public institutions. His legal practice reflects a commitment to helping individuals and organizations navigate federal systems responsibly and effectively.

 

Mr. Burnette resides outside Tennessee, which remains his professional base. The Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC is a Tennessee registered professional limited liability company. Legal services are limited to federal law, federal consulting, and matters within federal jurisdiction where he is authorized to practice. No services are offered under the laws of any state except where incidental to a federal issue or otherwise permitted.

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Why This Practice Exists

After leaving federal service, Mr. Burnette began working through his own experience navigating the VA system. That process reinforced how complex federal systems can be for veterans and public servants.

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His law practice grew from a desire to help others navigate those systems with clearer guidance and practical insight.

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​​Memberships

• American Bar Association, Attorney Member

• American Legion, SC Post 6, Member

• American Planning Association, Member

• Appalachian Mountain Club, Member

• Association of National Park Rangers, Member & Board of Directors

• Coalition to Save Our Parks, Member

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

• Missouri Bar Association, Licensed Attorney Member

• National Association of Veterans Advocates, 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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Federal Agency Admissions

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Authorized Attorney (application pending) 

• Department of the Interior

• Merit System Protection Board

• Federal Labor Relations Authority

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

• Occupational Health and Safety Administration

• Office of Special Counsel

• Federal Communications Commission

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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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