Work Experience

Burns Firm

Founding Principal Attorney

April 2021 - Present

Founded firm focussed on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and wealthy individuals whom seek to create and protect their wealth from potential liability.  

Circuit Court Judge, Florida

Jan. 2019 – Jan. 2021

Presided over thousands of Civil and Criminal cases in 2019, including over 20 jury trials. Rotated into Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency Division in 2020, and presided over Termination of Parental Rights trials, and Adoption final hearings.  Spearheaded implementation of virtual ZOOM court for First Judicial Circuit when COVID-19 shutdowns began in March 2020.

Anchors Smith Grimsley, PL

Attorney (Associate then Partner)

Sept. 2007 – Dec. 2018

General representation of institutional clients. Civil litigation concentrating on real property cases, business cases, and land use case.  General representation of local governmental entities.

State Attorney’s Office Leon County

Certified Legal Intern

Jan. 2007 – Apr. 2007

Prosecuted criminal cases.  Averaged 20-25 hours a week in courtroom, while also attending law school full time.  Conducted jury trials, from jury selection through verdict prior to graduating from law school.