Eldridge A, Burns, Jr. is a seasoned legal executive with over 30 years of experience advising public and private companies. Mr. Burns has experience in corporate governance & compliance, international transactions, mergers & acquisitions, risk management, contract negotiation, commercial transactions, real estate, strategic advisory services, and capital markets. As a General Counsel/Chief Legal since 1996 his primary focus has been drafting and negotiating operational, legal, and complex commercial agreements, partnerships, joint ventures, acquisitions, and shareholder agreements; with additional expertise in addressing, formulating legal approaches, resolving complex matters, and driving corporate governance initiatives..

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Previous Experience

• Chief Legal Officer at Exeter Finance - Responsible for all legal and compliance matters for the company. Spearheaded development and execution of comprehensive legal strategies. Oversaw completion of over 300 complex capital market, acquisition, and partnership agreements annually.

• Chief Legal Officer at Mr. Cooper - Coordinated all legal and compliance functions for NASDAQ-listed company. Directed team of over 35 attorneys, aligning business strategy with regulatory compliance for Board and executive leadership. Developed and implemented robust governance frameworks and policies for public companies and improved ESG ratings.

• General Counsel/Interim President of International at Topgolf Entertainment Group - Directed and strategized on all legal matters to enhance robust legal framework and reduce company liability. Strengthened market position and competitive edge by securing patents and enhancing intellectual property portfolio. Ran franchise program launches across Asia, Europe, and South America and attained 150% increase in international venues while serving as Interim President of Topgolf International.

• Chief Legal Officer at Santander Consumer USA Inc. - Provided strategic legal advice to senior management and board of directors on wide range of issues, including corporate governance, contracts, employment law, intellectual property, and litigation. Advised on board governance matters and facilitated multiple board meetings. Oversaw all legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and other corporate transactions. Spearheaded NYSE's initial public offering.

• Prior to that, spent nine years as General Counsel of Alternative Brands and VP/Senior Corporate Counsel at Blockbuster. Eldridge began his legal career as an associate at Vinson & Elkins.​

 

Admitted to Practice

• State Bar of Texas;

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Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association

• State Bar of Texas

• Dallas Bar Association

• Dallas Minority Bar Association

• Salesmanship Club Dallas

• SMU Mustang Club Board Member

• SMU Athletic Forum Board Member

• Former Independent Board Member Exeter Finance

• Former SMU Alumni Board Member

• Former School Board Trustee Parish Episcopal School

 

Education

• J.D. University of Texas, 1994;

• B.B.A. Southern Methodist University, 1991

 

Recent Honors

• Named as an “Outstanding General Counsel” by D Magazine multiple times

• Named a “Texas Super Lawyer” eighteen times, appearing in Modern Counsel and Profile Magazine and named as an Outstanding General Counsel by D Magazine multiple times.