He has been involved in the development and implementation of Veterans Treatment Court and is currently the lead defense attorney for veterans engaged in the court. His responsibilities also include supervising a team of trial attorneys in Seattle Municipal Court, and co-supervision of the defense teams in the SMC Mental Health Court and the King County Regional Mental Health Court. Burns has over 25 years experience as a public defender. He obtained a B.A. at Michigan State University, a M.A. from the University of Washington, and his J.D. from Seattle University.