As a passionate leader and change-maker, Drew Eckl & Farnham partner Douglas K. Burrell is dedicated to making a difference within the legal community. With over 26 years of experience as a practicing trial lawyer, Burrell serves as a strategic partner to his clients, while striving to foster progress among the organizations he serves.
At the start of his career, Burrell was quick to take part in several leadership opportunities, ultimately growing both personally and professionally, which allowed him to receive several industry awards as a result.
In 2007, Burrell joined The Voice of the Defense Bar, also known as the Defense Research Institute (DRI), a national organization for civil defense attorneys, in-house counsel, and insurance companies. Over the years, he has contributed to several of the organization’s committees, serving on the planning committee for DRI’s Diversity For Success Seminar & Corporate Expo, as well as chair of DRI’s Diversity Steering Committee. Due to his involvement within several committees, he was awarded the DRI Davis Carr Outstanding Committee Chair Award in 2013 for his ability to increase and motivate membership, create and implement new projects, and successfully execute all committee leadership responsibilities.
Burrell then joined DRI’s National Board of Directors before being elected as Second Vice President to oversee strategy, public policy, and educational initiatives for the organization. In 2016, Burrell received the DRI Richard H. Krochock Award, which honors an individual who has provided exemplary leadership while promoting those qualities which enhance the public image of the Civil Defense Trial Lawyer.
Today, as President-Elect of DRI, Burrell is steering the organization through obstacles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while striving to successfully prepare the organization for a post-COVID-19 legal environment. In October, he will be sworn in as president at the annual DRI summit.
In addition to his involvements with DRI, Burrell serves as general counsel of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Counsel, providing legal and strategic business advice through contract review and negotiation and employment matters, among other services. Within Drew Eckl & Farnham, Burrell also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.
“Actively participating in DRI and other leadership initiatives over the course of my career has enabled me to serve the legal community, while also being an advocate for growth and change,” says Burrell. “These opportunities were vital to forming my understanding of civil defense litigation, and how to better serve my clients and support young attorneys.”
For more information on Drew Eckl & Farnham’s leaders, visit the leadership page.