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 each of the federal courts in Florida. David has also appeared pro hac vice on behalf of his clients in other jurisdictions.

David has been recognized by his peers for his legal acumen, having been recognized several years as a Florida Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine and an Up and Comer 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. 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 on the Gator Bowl 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 has had leadership positions with the Jacksonville Bar Association as well.   He’s also 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 “Double Gator,” having received two degrees from the University of Florida. 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.

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 generally spending time with friends and family.

Professional Associations and Membership: 

• Florida Bar Association, Member
  • Trial Lawyers Section
• 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)

Past Employment Positions:

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

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

Education

• University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D.
  • Cum Laude
  • Florida Law Review
• 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