Robert earned his law degree from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, in Birmingham, AL, concentrating his coursework on trial advocacy and constitutional law. He was the associate director for trial competitions on the Law School Trial Board. While in law school, Robert volunteered at a local middle school, interned with a federal judge, worked at the District Attorney’s office in Family Court, and worked alongside a criminal defense attorney. Robert authored a comprehensive paper on the right to confrontation in criminal prosecutions and completed the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Trial Skills Program in February of 2008.
Robert received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in the Distinguished Major Program in Political and Social Thought. While at the University of Virginia, he authored a comprehensive thesis on the death penalty and its use with juveniles and people suffering from mental disabilities. Robert also participated in the outdoor educator’s course sponsored by the National Outdoor Leadership School where he spent 24 days hiking and rock climbing in the Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana.
Robert enjoys staying active in his community and has volunteered as a judge for Oregon’s Classroom Law Project, which gives high school students the opportunity to experience a mock trial competition. Robert also has participated in events aimed at aiding at-risk youth and has spoken at the New Avenues for Youth, which is a school designed to help educate at-risk and homeless youth.
Robert is a member of the Web Governance Committee of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association. This committee is responsible for web content and updates for the OCDLA website and the Library of Defense.
Outside of the Practice of Law
When Robert is not practicing law, he enjoys getting outside and being active. He likes to bike, run, swim, and go hiking. These activities have led him to become involved in various groups such as The Leukemia Society’s Team in Training, Birmingham Triathlon Club, and the Portland Triathlon Club. Robert’s experiences as a triathlete led to the publication of an essay he wrote in The Triathlon Experiment. He tries to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in Oregon and get out and enjoy nature, whether he is visiting Bend, the Oregon coast, Mount Hood, or Oregon wine country.
Areas of Practice
Robert concentrates his practice on criminal law, some family law matters, personal injury, and some general litigation. Robert’s criminal practice ranges from DUII cases to domestic violence cases to property crimes, such as theft, ID theft, and forgery and Measure 11 serious crimes. Robert also enjoys working on cases involving family law matters such as restraining and stalking orders. Robert also represents clients in personal injury matters such as car accidents and slip and fall injuries.
Robert strives to follow the philosophy that everyone deserves a good, competent, and dedicated attorney in the defense of their legal and constitutional rights. Robert also believes that a person should be compensated when they have been injured or wrongfully have been deprived of their rights, possessions, or freedom.
Publications
- Co-author of the 2012 Update to Chapter 8 Commencement of Prosecution and Waiver of the Oregon State Bar Criminal Law Book
- Author of the chapter on Investigators and Experts for the 2014 Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association DUI Notebook
- Editor of the 2016 Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association DUII Trial Notebook Update
- Speaker at the 2016 OCDLA DUII Conference: Becoming an Expert DUII Lawyer
- Editor of the 2018 Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association DUII Trial Notebook Update
Speaking Engagements
Robert has spoken and participated extensively in community events. Robert presented at the “I Have a Dream” Oregon Career Day and at a seminar on “The Law and You” aimed at high-risk youth.
Robert spoke at a New Avenues for Youth event in downtown Portland working with homeless youth. Robert also has served as a judge at numerous mock trial competitions. Robert presented at the Oregon State Bar Defending DUII Cases in Oregon conference.
Robert has appeared on local news stations discussing legal issues.
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Oregon State Bar Association
- Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
- American Constitution Society
- Multnomah Bar Association
- Portland Triathlon Club Race Team.
