Chuck Burkhart Headshot

Charles A. Burkhart

Partner
  • (205) 226-8753
Download Resume cburkhart@balch.com
Education
  • University of Texas School of Law
    J.D., 1996,

    Texas Environmental Law Journal, University of Texas Criminal Defense Clinic

  • The University of Alabama
    B.A., 1992,

    magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Recipient, Walter H. Bennett Memorial Scholarship in Political Science

Bar Admissions
  • Alabama, 1996
About Chuck
Q&A
  • What types of clients do you represent?

    Large electrical utilities and industrial product manufacturers; national food product manufacturers; owners, general contractors, and subcontractors of all types and sizes

  • What do you find most exciting about your work?

    Finding practical, business-sensible solutions to extremely difficult disputes and providing our clients with a true team approach focused on providing value. Where disputes cannot or should not be resolved short of trial, my favorite part of being a lawyer is trying jury trials against other highly-talented trial counsel. It's one of the few remaining blood pumping experiences left in life.  

  • What type of matters do you work on most often?

Select Matters

  • Trial team lawyer in a dispute stemming from the construction of two nuclear reactors located in South Georgia in which over $1 billion was claimed in damages. The case resolved prior to trial but not before approximately 70+ highly technical depositions of engineers, nuclear regulatory experts, and construction executives were taken in a widely-publicized lawsuit closely monitored by the national media.
  • Lead counsel in the defense of a large electrical utility in 268 underground mine subsidence cases between 2005-2013. Served as the first-chair trial lawyer in four jury trials that resulted in defense verdicts.
  • Defense of Estate of Certified Pilot Examiner in triple wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Representation of aircraft owner against aircraft maintenance provider arising from negligent service/repair resulting in damage event upon landing.

Case Studies

    Publications

      News

        Speaking Engagements

          Credentials

          Education
          • University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1996,

            Texas Environmental Law Journal, University of Texas Criminal Defense Clinic

          • The University of Alabama, B.A., 1992,

            magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Recipient, Walter H. Bennett Memorial Scholarship in Political Science

          Courts
          • Supreme Court of Alabama, 1996
          • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 1996
          • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 1996
          • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 1996
          • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 1996
          • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 1996
          Bar Admissions
          • Alabama, 1996
          Professional Affiliations
          • Alabama State Bar
          • Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
          • Birmingham Bar Association
          • Alabama Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy, Instructor, 2007
          • Alabama Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy, Instructor, 2004
          • Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
          Awards & Accolades
          • Chambers USA, Construction
          • The Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year 2023, Birmingham, Construction Law, 2023
          • The Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2015 - present
          • Benchmark Litigation, Alabama Local Litigation Star, Products Liability, 2013 - present
          • Best of the Birmingham Bar, Construction Litigation for Large Firms, 2007
          • Martindale-Hubbell, AV-Rated
          • Birmingham Magazine, Top Attorney, 2014-2018, 2020