Donald Burris

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Donald Burris has been a distinguished practicing lawyer and law lecturer for over 44 years. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and received a BA with honors from Alfred University in 1965 and a J.D. with honors, graduating at the top of his class at the Georgetown University Law Center, in 1969.

Don has devoted a considerable amount of time to the pursuit of art works and other assets stolen by the Nazi authorities before and during World War II. These efforts culminated in 2004 with a successful argument to the United States Supreme Court at the conclusion of which the Austrian government was ordered to, and did, return a number of priceless historic paintings by Gustav Klimt.

Mr. Burris’ wife, Patti Burris, is an artist who has been a teacher at the Brentwood Art Center for over 20 years. Through this connection, Don came to know the Brentwood Art Center and the important role it plays in the community, which led to his enthusiastic involvement in its reopening and reorganization.