Christopher (Chris) M. Burkle

A medical doctor and an attorney, Chris is a member of our Professional Liability - Health Care practice group. He focuses his legal practice primarily on the defense of health care practitioners including proceedings before their respective licensing boards.

Before joining Meagher + Geer, Chris practiced as an anesthesiologist for more than 24 years. He also holds the title of Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Beyond his medical background, Chris is a skilled attorney who integrates his medical knowledge and experience with legal principles to obtain positive results for his clients. His diverse background has given him a deep understanding of the aspects of medical malpractice actions.

Chris earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Hamline University School of Law, where he served as Associate Editor and then Primary Editor of the Law Review. During law school, he participated in a legal practicum with the Mayo Clinic legal department focusing on medical regulation, compliance, and professional litigation defense.

After completing law school, Chris continued practicing as a full-time anesthesiologist. During his tenure, he sat on the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and served as Chair of its Complaint Review Committee. Chris has also published multiple articles on the intersection between medicine, ethics, and law.

Chris obtained his medical degree from the John A. Burns School of Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lewis and Clark College.

Medical Licensure

•State of Minnesota
•State of Hawaii

Medical Board Certification

•Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology

Accolades

•Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the area of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, 2026

News

•Aug 21, 2025
Meagher + Geer congratulates its 23 attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in 2026
•Oct 24, 2023
Rodger Hagen and Christopher Burkle offer insights on generative AI and medical liability in MPL Association journal
•Aug 14, 2023
Meagher + Geer welcomes attorney and medical doctor Christopher Burkle to its Minneapolis office