Atty. David D. Burns

Atty. David D. Burns

David Burns serves as chair of Lerman Senter's Media practice group . He brings more than 30 years of experience representing media and communications companies.

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Profile Summary

About David D. Burns at a glance

David D. Burns is an attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Lerman Senter PLLC. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1988). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Communications Law (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Burns serves as chair of Lerman Senter's Media practice group
  • He brings more than 30 years of experience representing media and communications companies
  • While his experience and practice cover the full range of communications and media industry issues, his primary focus is on regulatory and transactional matters facing the media and broadcast industries, including representation of clients before the Federal Communications Commission and other federal agencies
  • David acts as regulatory and deal counsel on transactional matters such as mergers, acquisitions and financings, and regularly counsels clients on compliance with regulatory requirements affecting programming content, political advertising, ownership issues, station licensing and operations, and spectrum management
  • He recently created a structure which enabled a debtor client to minimize regulatory delays associated with implementation of a pre-packaged bankruptcy plan, allowing the client to emerge from bankruptcy much sooner than would otherwise be the case
  • David has represented clients in small deals and in multi-billion dollar transactions, and his clients appreciate his pragmatic and business-oriented approach
  • Clients value him as “super responsive and very smart, a very good writer, and very easy to work with
  • He has gotten good results for us.” Another client particularly appreciates that “he understands my business, my tolerances and my objectives.” Prior to joining Lerman Senter, David practiced with a large international law firm in Washington, DC
  • He speaks at seminars and conferences and writes on a variety of media and communications industry issues

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David D. Burns

Where is David D. Burns's law office located?
David D. Burns's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Lerman Senter PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did David D. Burns go to law school?
David D. Burns earned their education at (J.D., 1988).
How can I contact David D. Burns for a consultation?
You can contact David D. Burns directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David D. Burns received?
David D. Burns's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Communications Law.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 1988

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Communications Law
- 2026

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