Name: Chris Burns
Age: 54
Family: Cindy, wife of 28 years; son, Casey, 23; and daughters, Chelsea and Celeste, both 17.
Pets: Mr. Kitty, cat and bird hunter
Education: Vanderbilt Law School (J.D. 1985)
Admitted to the Bar: October 1985
Employed by: Terrell Hogan partner
Field of practice: Plaintiff’s personal injury, emphasis on defending the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Professional organizations: Florida Justice Association, Jacksonville Justice Association, The Jacksonville Bar Association and American Justice Association-Bicycle Litigation group.
Community involvement: Jacksonville Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, chairman; Jacksonville Context Sensitive Design Streets Committee member; Florida Bicycle Association, past officer, past board member and adviser; Florida DEP Office of Greenways and Trails Foundation, past board member; North Florida Bicycle Club member; Velobrew Bicycle Club member; League of American Bicyclists member; Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Board, past president; and Jacksonville Country Day School, past president of board of trustees.
How did you become involved?
Over time, I have coordinated my passion with my purpose. I try not to copy others but be myself. It seemed counterintuitive at first, but becoming a better listener has helped me better understand myself.
How can someone else become involved?
It has been said, “Chase your passion, not your pension.” I concur wholeheartedly. Be involved where you are compelled to be enthusiastic, energetic and faithful — no matter the subject.
What have you learned through the experience?
No one ever “makes it” alone. My collaborators are smarter than I am. I admire patience and positivity and abhor superiority.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Outliers” and “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell