Subscribe
Alert
Please keep in mind that merely contacting Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP will not establish an attorney-client relationship. Nelson Mullins cannot represent you until the firm knows there would not be a conflict of interest, and the firm determines that it is otherwise able to accept the engagement. Accordingly, please do not send Nelson Mullins any information or documents until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established through an interview with an attorney and authorized in the form of an engagement letter from Nelson Mullins. Any information or documents sent prior to your receipt of an engagement letter cannot be treated as confidences, secrets or protected information of any nature. Clicking "Submit" acknowledges that you understand and agree with this notice.
James H. Burns
Partner
Meridian
1320 Main Street
17th Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
1320 Main Street
17th Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
james.burns@nelsonmullins.com
James is an experienced litigator in the areas of consumer financial services litigation, toxic torts/asbestos, and business litigation. A chief of staff to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a past chairman of the State Ethics Commission, James has counseled and represented clients in administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and in state attorney...
James is an experienced litigator in the areas of consumer financial services litigation, toxic torts/asbestos, and business litigation. A chief of staff to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a past chairman of the State Ethics Commission, James has counseled and represented clients in administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and in state attorney general investigations. James is a 28-year veteran of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps having served overseas in and at the Pentagon.
general investigations. James is a 28-year veteran of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps having served overseas in and at the Pentagon.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Consumer Financial Services Litigation
- Represented consumer financial services institutions, mortgage lenders, and loan servicers in state and federal courts and arbitration forums involving alleged violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), inflated appraisal claims, South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, as well as state unfair and deceptive trade practices acts
Toxic Torts/Asbestos
- Manages all aspects of defending multiple product manufacturers in state and federal courts asbestos litigation
- Represents large pharmaceutical client in state talc litigation
- Works closely with expert witnesses in a wide range of technical areas related to asbestos litigation
FINRA Broker-Dealer Representation
- Defended brokers-dealers, registered investment advisors, and banks against consumer claims involving suitability, over-concentration, supervision, unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, and violation of state and federal securities laws
- Experience with a variety of investment products, including bonds, closed end funds, and individual stocks
- Negotiated resolution of multi-case bond issuance for financial services client
Government Relations/State Attorneys General Actions
- Represented and counseled a variety of clients who are subject of state attorney general investigations
- Represented clients who have administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and regulators.
- Represented public officials and former public officials involving the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act before the State Ethics Commission.
- Counseled clients on matters involving proposed legislation, the legislative process and gubernatorial actions in South Carolina.
Previous Professional Experience
- Chief of Staff, S.C. Governor Nikki Haley (2014–2015)
- Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (2006–2008)
- Provided time-sensitive legal opinions on ethics, complex investigations, and military justice matters to senior Navy executives
- Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (2005–2006)
- Served as operational law attorney and provided advice regarding rules of engagement, international law, and rule of law
- Prosecutor, Trial Service Office Southeast (2002–2005)
- Served as trial counsel prosecuting violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Education
-
University of South Carolina School of Law,
JD,
cum laude
(2002)
- Editor in Chief, South Carolina Law Review
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court
- The Citadel, BA, Political Science (1996)
Admissions
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Consumer Financial Services Litigation
- Represented consumer financial services institutions, mortgage lenders, and loan servicers in state and federal courts and arbitration forums involving alleged violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), inflated appraisal claims, South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, as well as state unfair and deceptive trade practices acts
Toxic Torts/Asbestos
- Manages all aspects of defending multiple product manufacturers in state and federal courts asbestos litigation
- Represents large pharmaceutical client in state talc litigation
- Works closely with expert witnesses in a wide range of technical areas related to asbestos litigation
FINRA Broker-Dealer Representation
- Defended brokers-dealers, registered investment advisors, and banks against consumer claims involving suitability, over-concentration, supervision, unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, and violation of state and federal securities laws
- Experience with a variety of investment products, including bonds, closed end funds, and individual stocks
- Negotiated resolution of multi-case bond issuance for financial services client
Government Relations/State Attorneys General Actions
- Represented and counseled a variety of clients who are subject of state attorney general investigations
- Represented clients who have administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and regulators.
- Represented public officials and former public officials involving the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act before the State Ethics Commission.
- Counseled clients on matters involving proposed legislation, the legislative process and gubernatorial actions in South Carolina.
Previous Professional Experience
- Chief of Staff, S.C. Governor Nikki Haley (2014–2015)
- Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (2006–2008)
- Provided time-sensitive legal opinions on ethics, complex investigations, and military justice matters to senior Navy executives
- Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (2005–2006)
- Served as operational law attorney and provided advice regarding rules of engagement, international law, and rule of law
- Prosecutor, Trial Service Office Southeast (2002–2005)
- Served as trial counsel prosecuting violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Media
Events / Speaking Engagements
| Discussion of COVID-19 Response with Gov. Henry McMaster, South Carolina Business Council, Panelist (Sept. 15, 2020) |
| SCMA Annual Meeting: Commanding a Crisis: A Governor's Chief of Staff Perspective, Speaker (April 24-25, 2019) |
| Mother Emanuel Tragedy: Where Do We Go From Here?, Speaker (January 8, 2019) |
News
| S.C. Supreme Court Honors Nelson Mullins Attorneys for Pro Bono Service (Feb. 14, 2022) |
| Columbia Partner Chairs accelerateSC Meeting to Discuss American Rescue Plan Funds with Governor McMaster, WIS TV Columbia, S.C. (June 16, 2021) |
| S.C. Supreme Court Recognizes 62 Nelson Mullins Attorneys for Pro Bono Service (March 24, 2021) |
| Expanding Broadband Access in S.C., S.C. Business Review, S.C. Business Review (Sept. 18, 2020) |
| S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster Taps James Burns to Lead Economic Revitalization Plan (April 23, 2020) |
Recognitions
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
Professional Activities
- Board of Directors, South Carolina Ports Authority
- Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster
- Chairman, AccelerateSC (COVID Response & Economic Revitalization Task Force)
- Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster
- Former Chairman, South Carolina State Ethics Commission
- Appointed by Governor Nikki Haley
- Former Counsel, South Carolina Ethics Reform Commission
- American Bar Association Member
- South Carolina Bar Association Member
- West Virginia Bar Association Member
- Richland County Bar Association Member
- Graduate, SC Ports Authority’s Port Ambassadors Program
Community
- Captain, United States Navy Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps (2008–present)
- Executive Board, Chapin Eagle Club, Chapin High School (2012–2024)
- Chapin Middle School, School Improvement Council, Board Member (2011–2014)
- Chapin Community Endowment Board of Advisors, Board Member (2010–2014)
- Carolina Wind Symphony, Board Member (2010–2012)
Military
- Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve United States Fleet Forces, N01L JAG
- Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (2006–2008)
- Provided time-sensitive legal opinions on ethics, complex investigations, and military justice matters to senior Navy executives
- Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (2005–2006)
- Served as operational law attorney and provided advice regarding rules of engagement, international law, and rule of law
- Prosecutor, Trial Service Office Southeast (2002–2005)
- Served as trial counsel prosecuting violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
James is an experienced litigator in the areas of consumer financial services litigation, toxic torts/asbestos, and business litigation. A chief of staff to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a past chairman of the State Ethics Commission, James has counseled and represented clients in administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and in state attorney... general investigations. James is a 28-year veteran of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps having served overseas in and at the Pentagon.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Consumer Financial Services Litigation
- Represented consumer financial services institutions, mortgage lenders, and loan servicers in state and federal courts and arbitration forums involving alleged violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), inflated appraisal claims, South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, as well as state unfair and deceptive trade practices acts
Toxic Torts/Asbestos
- Manages all aspects of defending multiple product manufacturers in state and federal courts asbestos litigation
- Represents large pharmaceutical client in state talc litigation
- Works closely with expert witnesses in a wide range of technical areas related to asbestos litigation
FINRA Broker-Dealer Representation
- Defended brokers-dealers, registered investment advisors, and banks against consumer claims involving suitability, over-concentration, supervision, unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, and violation of state and federal securities laws
- Experience with a variety of investment products, including bonds, closed end funds, and individual stocks
- Negotiated resolution of multi-case bond issuance for financial services client
Government Relations/State Attorneys General Actions
- Represented and counseled a variety of clients who are subject of state attorney general investigations
- Represented clients who have administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and regulators.
- Represented public officials and former public officials involving the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act before the State Ethics Commission.
- Counseled clients on matters involving proposed legislation, the legislative process and gubernatorial actions in South Carolina.
Previous Professional Experience
- Chief of Staff, S.C. Governor Nikki Haley (2014–2015)
- Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (2006–2008)
- Provided time-sensitive legal opinions on ethics, complex investigations, and military justice matters to senior Navy executives
- Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (2005–2006)
- Served as operational law attorney and provided advice regarding rules of engagement, international law, and rule of law
- Prosecutor, Trial Service Office Southeast (2002–2005)
- Served as trial counsel prosecuting violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Education
-
University of South Carolina School of Law,
JD,
cum laude
(2002)
- Editor in Chief, South Carolina Law Review
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court
- The Citadel, BA, Political Science (1996)
Admissions
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces
Practice Areas
Events /
Speaking Engagements
Speaking Engagements
| Discussion of COVID-19 Response with Gov. Henry McMaster, South Carolina Business Council, Panelist (Sept. 15, 2020) |
| SCMA Annual Meeting: Commanding a Crisis: A Governor's Chief of Staff Perspective, Speaker (April 24-25, 2019) |
| Mother Emanuel Tragedy: Where Do We Go From Here?, Speaker (January 8, 2019) |
News
| S.C. Supreme Court Honors Nelson Mullins Attorneys for Pro Bono Service (Feb. 14, 2022) |
| Columbia Partner Chairs accelerateSC Meeting to Discuss American Rescue Plan Funds with Governor McMaster, WIS TV Columbia, S.C. (June 16, 2021) |
| S.C. Supreme Court Recognizes 62 Nelson Mullins Attorneys for Pro Bono Service (March 24, 2021) |
| Expanding Broadband Access in S.C., S.C. Business Review, S.C. Business Review (Sept. 18, 2020) |
| S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster Taps James Burns to Lead Economic Revitalization Plan (April 23, 2020) |
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- Board of Directors, South Carolina Ports Authority
- Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster
- Chairman, AccelerateSC (COVID Response & Economic Revitalization Task Force)
- Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster
- Former Chairman, South Carolina State Ethics Commission
- Appointed by Governor Nikki Haley
- Former Counsel, South Carolina Ethics Reform Commission
- American Bar Association Member
- South Carolina Bar Association Member
- West Virginia Bar Association Member
- Richland County Bar Association Member
- Graduate, SC Ports Authority’s Port Ambassadors Program
- Captain, United States Navy Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps (2008–present)
- Executive Board, Chapin Eagle Club, Chapin High School (2012–2024)
- Chapin Middle School, School Improvement Council, Board Member (2011–2014)
- Chapin Community Endowment Board of Advisors, Board Member (2010–2014)
- Carolina Wind Symphony, Board Member (2010–2012)
- Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve United States Fleet Forces, N01L JAG
- Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (2006–2008)
- Provided time-sensitive legal opinions on ethics, complex investigations, and military justice matters to senior Navy executives
- Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (2005–2006)
- Served as operational law attorney and provided advice regarding rules of engagement, international law, and rule of law
- Prosecutor, Trial Service Office Southeast (2002–2005)
- Served as trial counsel prosecuting violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Highlights from the Firm’s Insights
Fast Forward the Fintech Future
April 21, 2025
Opinion: Inflation Prices Hit Trademark Filings
April 14, 2025
