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
Over the past decade, Chuck has negotiated and drafted over $2.2 billion in construction contracts across the U.S. and has represented one of the nation's top student housing development and construction companies.
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.

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, 2023
        • 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