Law 2024: DAVID C. BURTON

Burton, who specializes in labor and employment law, has defended employers in federal court cases involving disability, the Family and Medical Leave Act and age discrimination. He’s also defended clients in claims brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and has represented management in labor contract negotiations and arbitrations.

After graduating from Elon College, Burton earned his law degree from the University of Richmond. Burton joined Williams Mullen in 1993 after clerking for the Virginia Supreme Court.

Burton has served on Williams Mullen’s board of directors since 2012 and was named the firm’s Hampton Roads managing partner in 2016. He chairs the Virginia Bar Association’s labor and employment law section’s council.

In 2018, Burton was chosen as King Neptune, presiding over the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. He also chairs the festival’s board.

HOW I CHOSE MY CAREER: My father was a journalist/editor his entire career with Richmond Newspapers, and I grew up with him telling me about what big trials were going on at any given time in Richmond.

MUSIC I’D RECOMMEND: Guitarist Richard Thompson’s latest album, “Ship To Shore”