معرفی
R. Edwin Burnette, Jr. serves as Jurist in Residence at Liberty University and holds adjunct professorships at both Marshall-Wythe School of Law (College of William and Mary) and Washington and Lee University School of Law. A former Circuit Court Judge for Virginia's 24th Judicial Circuit (2015-2022) and General District Court Judge for the same circuit (2001-2015), he brings extensive judicial experience to his academic roles.
His educational credentials include a J.D. from Marshall-Wythe School of Law and a B.A. from the College of William and Mary.
Burnette's scholarly focus centers on practical legal application, with primary expertise in civil litigation, trial advocacy, and judicial procedure. His research bridges courtroom practice and legal education, emphasizing real-world skills development through civil litigation frameworks, tort law applications, and appellate strategies. This practitioner-scholar approach informs his teaching in legal skills and trial advocacy.
His publications demonstrate consistent engagement with Virginia's judicial system, particularly through annual updates to the Virginia Benchbooks and analysis of district court procedures. These works establish foundational resources for Virginia judges and practitioners while advancing procedural clarity in civil and criminal courtrooms.
Notable recognitions include:
- Award in Excellence in Civil Litigation from the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
- Jurist of the Year Award from the Young Lawyers Conference of the Virginia State Bar
- Citizen-Lawyer Award from the William and Mary Law School Association
- Public Service and Pro-Bono Awards from the Lynchburg Bar Association
- Fellowships in both the American Bar Foundation and Virginia Law Foundation
Professional mentorship extends through his judicial service on the Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee and as a mentor judge. Community leadership spans church governance at Peakland Baptist Church, fire/rescue services with Boonsboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, and cultural stewardship as Past President of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. His bar association leadership includes presidency of both the Virginia State Bar and Lynchburg Bar Association, plus membership in the American Bar Association's House of Delegates.
