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 of following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Martin Burns, and aunt, Danielle Burns, to serve unions and working people who are fighting for their rights.

Since joining the firm in 2014, Charlie has represented unions and individual 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 matters, IRS compliance, and delinquent contributions litigation.

In 2024, Charlie was selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. He is a member of the National Lawyers Guild Labor and Employment Section.

Although raised in Tennessee, Charlie and his wife moved to Chicago in 2011, where they fell in love with the people, food, and warm-hearted Midwestern culture that makes this city great.

Education

• B.A., Middle Tennessee State University (2011)
• D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, with a Certificate in Labor and Employment 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.