Mr. Burnett graduated from Utah State University (B.S. magna cum laude 1973) and Cornell University (J.D. 1977), where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. He was admitted to the Utah Bar in 1977. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Utah, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

His practice emphasizes the representation of governmental entities, primarily municipalities and counties, in the area of land use planning, zoning and related constitutional and civil rights claims.

Mr. Burnett is a member of the American Bar Association and past President and former member of the Executive Committee of the Salt Lake County Bar Association. He is a Master of the Bench and past President of the Sutherland Inn of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Burnett is currently President of the Board of Trustees of Utah Legal Services and a member of the Board of Trustees of And Justice For All. While in the military, he was with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.