Too often, we think about healthcare, disability benefits, or mental health one appointment at a time. We see our doctor. We talk with our therapist. We file a claim with a VSO or attorney. We attend church. We lean on our spouse. Those relationships are all valuable. But they're even more valuable when they work together.

When people think about veteran-owned businesses, they often picture defense contractors, consultants, security firms, or government contractors. Those businesses certainly matter, but some of the most mission-driven veteran-owned businesses I have encountered look very different. They are family farms. They are breweries. They are distilleries. They are ranches. They are agricultural operations and small manufacturing businesses rooted in local communities. Before focusing m

Many traditional law firms are built around a physical office. They pay rent, utilities, furniture costs, office equipment, maintenance, parking, reception staff, and a variety of other expenses that have little to do with solving a client's legal problem. Those costs have to be paid somehow, which often means higher hourly rates, larger retainers, and invoices for every phone call, email, or meeting.

Federal systems are complicated. That is not a criticism. It is simply reality. Whether someone is navigating: VA disability claims, federal employment issues, retirement decisions, accommodation requests, Social Security questions, or agency procedures, most people eventually realize the same thing: The system often expects you to understand rules that were never clearly explained in the first place. For many veterans, federal employees, and transitioning service members, th

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is expectations when it comes to VA claims, appeals, VSOs, accredited reps, and attorneys. I watched a video recently from a retired rater who made a point that stuck with me. He basically said that unless someone has worked for the VA, they’re never going to fully understand VA claims the way VA employees do. There’s some truth to that. Former raters absolutely bring valuable experience to the table. But I also think that statement g

If you serve as a supervisor, program manager, or senior leader in the federal government or nonprofit, you already know this: one...

Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park A Little Bit About Me I am Chris Burnette. I am an attorney, Air Force veteran, former federal employee, and someone who has spent most of my life working in and around public service. At my core, I believe in duty, service, and showing up with integrity. This law practice grew out of that background and a simple belief. People deserve clear guidance when navigating complex systems. Why This Work Matters to Me Too often, indi

The Golden Gate Bridge from Kirby Beach, Marin County, California How Sliding Scale Fees and Legal Subscriptions Expand Access to Legal Services Access to legal services remains a significant challenge for many individuals and small organizations, particularly those with low to moderate incomes. Traditional billing models, such as hourly rates and large retainers, often create insurmountable financial barriers and keep people from being able to get the answers they need to ma