Charles P. Burns
Bio
As a third-generation labor lawyer, Charlie comes from a family with deep roots in the labor movement. From a young age, he was inspired by stories of strikes and boycotts led by Caesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr., and others who demonstrated that when working people stand up together for justice, they win. Today, Charlie has the great privilege to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Martin Burns, and uncle, Joe Burns, to serve unions and working people who are fighting for their rights.
Charlie represents unions and employees in a variety of labor and employment matters, including grievance arbitration, unfair labor practices, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wage theft, and Family and Medical Leave Act claims. He also works with the Firm’s ERISA benefit fund and public pension fund clients on internal governance issues, IRS compliance, and delinquent contributions litigation.
Although raised in Tennessee, Charlie and his wife came “home” to Chicago in 2011, and hope to never leave. An avid cyclist, Charlie tells everyone that riding in the city — despite potholes, winter, and traffic — is much better than in Tennessee, even though no one believes him. Charlie is a member of the National Lawyers Guild Labor and Employment Section.
Education
- B.A., Middle Tennessee State University, 2011
- J.D. with a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law,* Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2014
* The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law, and the certificate is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
Admissions
- State of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois