David D. Burns

David is an accomplished trial lawyer with a litigation practice that includes the representation of corporate and individual clients in complex civil disputes in both state and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution forums. David also has broad experience in international disputes and has appeared in international proceedings on behalf of foreign and domestic clients. David is a member of the Florida Bar and the State Bar of Georgia. He is admitted to practice in all Florida and Georgia state courts and federal courts in Florida and Georgia. David has also appeared pro hac vice on behalf of his clients in other jurisdictions.

David has also served as General Counsel for multiple companies with business interests including international trade and finance, real estate acquisition and development, construction, automotive sales, healthcare services, and temporary staffing and immigration. 

David has been recognized by his peers for his legal acumen and professionalism, having been recognized several years as a “Florida Super Lawyer” by SuperLawyers Magazine and as a “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend magazine. David was an inaugural fellow in the Florida Bar’s Wm. Reece Smith Leadership Academy and served as the Chair of a Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. From 2017 to 2018, he served as the President of the Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter, and was a board member of that organization for many years prior to serving as its president. David was also served as a featured speaker on constitutional law for the Jacksonville Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and has been a guest lecturer at Florida Coastal School of Law.

David is passionate about giving back to his community. He is a regular participant in pro bono opportunities and is a past recipient of the Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter’s Spirit of Giving Award recognizing his pro bono work in federal court. David has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jacksonville Urban League and Manos de Fe, and served on the Gator Bowl Committee. David has had leadership positions with the Jacksonville Bar Association as well and has served in the Boy Scouts of America organization as his son’s Cub Scout Den Leader.

David grew up in Gainesville, Florida and is a “Triple Gator,” having received three degrees from the University of Florida. David graduated from UF with a Bachelor of Arts in World Religion.  In law school, David was a member of the Florida Law Review and served as a teaching assistant for law school classes focusing on legal drafting and appellate advocacy. He also spent a semester studying abroad in Montpellier, France.  Recently, David returned to UF to obtain an Executive MBA to provide himself with a broader foundation for assisting his business clients.

David is married to his high school sweetheart, Jamey, and they have three children, Dawson, Elle and Brooklyn. When not practicing law, David enjoys spending time with his family, and coaching his children’s sports teams and exercising outdoors.

Professional Associations and Membership: 

• Florida Bar Association, Member
  • Business Law and Trial Lawyers Section
  • Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Member 2013-2016, Chair 2016
  • Florida Bar Leadership Academy 2014-2015: Fellow, Inaugural Class
• State Bar of Georgia, Member
• Jacksonville Bar Association, Member
  • Business Law Section
  • Commercial Litigation Section (Chair, 2014-2015)
  • Sports and Entertainment Law Section, Chair (2008-09)
• Chester Bedell Inn of Court, 2008-09 (Associate), 2012- 2015 (Barrister)
• Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter
  • President (2017-18)
  • Board Member (2013-2018)

Education

• University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D.
  • Cum Laude
  • Florida Law Review
• University of Florida, Warrington College of Business, M.B.A.
• University of Florida, B.A. Religion, With Honors

Admissions

• United States Supreme Court
• The Florida Bar
• State Bar of Georgia
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia

Awards and Recognitions

• Florida Trend Magazine: Legal Elite 2013, 2018, 2020, 2022
• Super Lawyers Magazine: Florida Super Lawyer 2021-23, Rising Star 2009-2012
• Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, Civil Litigation, Jacksonville Federal Bar Ass’n, 2009

Areas Of Practice

• Business Litigation
• International Litigation
• Contracts/Commercial Law
• Real Estate Litigation
• Creditor’s Rights/Bankruptcy
• Administrative Law
• Appeals
• Product Liability
• Securities Arbitration
• Business Torts
• Intellectual Property
• Trade Secret & Competition
• Fiduciary &Trust

Past Employment Positions:

• Fowler White Boggs – Partner – Jacksonville, Florida
• Tanner Bishop – Jacksonville, Florida
• Smith, Hulsey & Busey – Jacksonville, Florida