Christina Marie Burdette

Within a month after graduating with a double major in accounting and finance from a small, relatively unknown college in a small, relatively unknown town, I moved to Dallas, Texas and secured an entry-level position in the tax department of what was then known as a "Big Eight" accounting firm (then Touche Ross, now Deloitte & Touche). At the time, almost all of the people I worked with and for had their Masters in Tax or a law degree. All were CPAs. I was told that in order to advance, I would have to pass the CPA exam and either get a Masters in Tax or attend law school. I passed the CPA exam and worked for Touche Ross for about 3 years. I took some graduate level courses during this time at the University of North Texas, but hadn't committed to a Masters in Tax program.

Frustrated that others with advanced degrees were being promoted ahead of me, I accepted a job offer to be the Federal Tax Manager for Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, one of the first cellular phone companies. I also decided that I would take the LSAT and apply to law school.

After 4 1/2 years of professional work experience, I started law school. I loved law school! I made the Law Review and became its Managing Editor in my third year. I was also a student member of a new organization: the Association for Women Attorneys.

I clerked at Hanover, Walsh, Jalenak & Blair the summer before I graduated and was offered an associate's position. At Hanover Walsh I learned everything from preparing pleadings to arguing motions to attending union meetings. I handled divorce matters, prepared wills and trusts, and administered probate estates. In addition to continuing on with the Association for Women Attorneys, I became an associate member of the first class of the Leo S. Bearman Inn of Court.

For 20 years I have been a solo practitioner in Shelby County, Tennessee. I am also a Rule 31 Listed Family and Civil Mediator.