Practice Area Overview

Law Office of D.C. Burnette

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This overview highlights core areas of federal and public interest law handled by the attorney. It is not an all-inclusive list. No specialization is claimed in any of the listed practice areas. Clients are encouraged to contact the office to discuss specific needs or unique legal questions.

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I. Federal Practice & Administrative Law

• Federal Land Use: Commercial Use, Procurement, and Dispute Resolution
  Pre- and post-award, disputes and legal support for concession contracts, leasing, commercial use authorizations, MOU's, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and agreements involving federal agencies such as the Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Legal Counsel for Nonprofit and Charitable Entities
  Strategic guidance for 501(c)(3) organizations and federally chartered nonprofits navigating compliance, governance, positioning, grants and other funding opportunities, partnerships, collaborations, and public relations.

• Support for Writers, Creatives, Businesses, and Nonprofits in protecting their brand and content​

​      Trademark, copyright, publishing, and other content protection. ​

• Open Government Laws 
  FOIA requests, litigation, agency transparency disputes, and regulatory guidance involving Federal Agencies.

• Counsel for Youth Organizations, Veterans Groups, Nonprofits, and Federally Chartered Groups
  Legal support for groups like Historic Preservation Societies, Hiker and Trail Organizations, Conservancies, advocacy groups, and similar entities on charter compliance, public land access, and federal partnerships.

• Legal Support for Amateur and Community Radio Operators
  Ham Radio operators, FCC licensing, enforcement response, and low-power radio station guidance under 47 CFR rules.

• Specialized Federal Permitting for Individuals, Small Businesses, and Nonprofits
  Legal support for TTB, FCC, FAA, and others permitting for niche federal licensees for hobbyists, private pilots, drone operators, photographers, .

• ​Benefits & Eligibility Advocacy
  Assistance with and understanding Social Security benefits, VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and other program claims, appeals, and eligibility requirements before federal agencies..​

II. Public Lands, Cultural Resources & Indigenous Rights

• Public Lands Practice  
  Supporting individuals and organizations working with, or against, Federal Land Management Agencies.

• Outdoor Recreation Groups Support

      Navigating public land use, agreements, and partnerships. 

• Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Protection
  Section 106 consultation advocacy and mitigation negotiations under NHPA involving ACHP, SHPOs, and federal land agencies.

• Tribal and Indigenous Sovereignty Advocacy
  Legal support in consultation, treaty defense, and access claims involving DOI, BIA, NPS, and BIA.

• Scenic Easements, Conservations Easements, Recreational Access, Wilderness, and Land Use
  Legal review of NEPA, Section 4(f) and Title 36 CFR issues for conservation, commercial entities, and access advocates.

• Cultural, Historic Preservation, and Heritage Nonprofit Support
  Counsel on land use, IRS compliance, and agency coordination for heritage-focused nonprofits.

• Enforcement of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA)
  Representation for Native artists and tribal sellers enforcing IACA provisions via DOI and FTC.

• Burial Rights and Cemetery Access on Federal Lands
  Legal assistance for tribes and families navigating VA, NPS, and Army cemetery access and disinterment approvals.

III. Constitutional, Civil, & Human Rights

• Political Party Structure and Federal Campaign Law
  Legal formation and compliance advising for minor parties and federal candidates interacting with the FEC.

• Constitution-based Litigation and Federal Appeals
  Civil liberties and due process litigation before the U.S. District Court, and appeals to the 9th and 10th Circuits.

• First Amendment Defense and Representation
  Legal defense for protestors on federal lands or facing agency restrictions.

• Religious Liberty and Conscience-Based Rights
  Religious Freedom Restoration Act and First Amendment cases involving federal agencies or public access barriers.

• Voting Rights and Election Law Compliance
  Counsel on federal campaign law, ballot access, and disenfranchisement in agency contexts.

• Civil Liberties and Emerging Legal Frameworks (e.g., Micronations, Genetic & Data Privacy)
  Legal navigation for clients exploring novel or symbolic expressions of sovereignty under federal jurisdiction.

IV. Federal Employment, Military, & Veterans

• Federal Employee Counseling
  Managing workplace issues, such as navigating career options, transfers, promotions, performance reviews, disputes, and disciplinary actions including appeals to the MSPB and OSC litigation, EEOC complaints, and disciplinary reviews.

• Military Justice and Veterans’ Rights
  Discharge upgrades, UCMJ consultation, conscientious objection (CO) advocacy, and veterans’ benefits claims before VA and CAVC.

• Legal Services for Veterans’ and Advocate Groups

      Outdoor recreation, access, partnerships, and funding opportunities. 

• Support for Veterans Navigating the VA and Other Federal Agencies

      Benefits, disability services, discrimination, career and personal coaching/guidance. ​

V. Access, Inclusion & Community Justice

• Disability Access and Service Animal Rights
  ADA and Rehabilitation Act cases involving federal agencies and public land facilities, roads, and trails.

• Federal Disability Benefits and Accommodation Law

      Section 501 Rehabilitation Act matters and federal employee accommodation disputes. ADA and          ABA complaints, negotiations, and appeals. 

• Federal Education Law for Students and Faculty
  Section 504 and Title IX issues in federally funded institutions and agencies. College admissions support for recent graduates, and understanding financial aid, residency, and related issues.

• Accessible Infrastructure and Mobility Rights
  Advocacy for rights-based transportation access, emerging mobility options, Active Transportation, and transit.

• Legal Services for Disaster Relief and Emergency Response
  Representation and support in FEMA claims, disputes, emergency housing access, and civil protection claims.

VI. International Students

• Nonimmigrant Visa Services
  Employment and student visa support (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1) through USCIS, CBP, and consular coordination.

• Advocacy for International Students and Scholars
  SEVIS guidance, OPT/STEM support, and reinstatement petitions for students across U.S. institutions.​​​​​