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Overview

Robert stresses the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with both clients and adversaries to achieve the best results possible.

Robert defends clients in asbestos exposure claims in difficult jurisdictions throughout the Midwest. In this role, he directs and assists with the formulation and implementation of defense strategies from the initial pleading stages through resolution or dismissal. Robert emphasizes the importance of early and continuous case evaluation and the potential benefits of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution with opposing counsel. Robert’s approach has helped him achieve favorable settlements and dismissals for clients in hundreds of cases over the years and helped clients maintain large asbestos dockets. Clients appreciate that he has a reputation for taking a leading role among the defense bar in building trust and rapport with adversaries and opposing counsel. Simultaneously, Robert’s ability to take sophisticated and thorough depositions ensures that clients will have the most complete and best defense possible should they need to take their case to trial.

Prior to joining the firm, Robert spent over four years working for two well-respected toxic tort and asbestos defense firms.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2024 and 2025

Education

  • J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law
  • B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Political Science

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association


*Contact Robert to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the St. Louis office.
Experience

Asbestos-Related Defense

  • Represented wide variety of defendants at both discovery and evidence depositions including boiler, pump, valve, automotive parts and construction materials manufacturers; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment manufacturers; engineering and general contractors; premises owners; and suppliers of raw materials.
  • Analyzed liability and potential damages for clients and insurers in order to expedite efficient and favorable resolutions prior to trial.
  • Collaborated with national and in-house counsel for high-profile asbestos defendants, offering client-specific defense strategies.
  • Drafted responsive pleadings, motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss for forum non conveniens and choice of law motions for numerous clients.
  • Negotiated with opposing counsel leading to dismissals of numerous client cases.
  • Conducted settlement negotiations with opposing counsel leading to favorable resolution.
  • Defended clients in plaintiff, fact witness, treating physician and corporate representative depositions.

Other Litigation

  • Successfully negotiated agreed settlement for nuisance value on behalf of client in benzene matter.
  • Successfully represented numerous individuals in personal injury matters, including both workers' compensation and personal injury lawsuits at state and federal level, from intake through resolution.
News Releases | May 28, 2020
Husch Blackwell Named CLOC's Inaugural Legal Innovation in Operations Project Award Winner

Husch Blackwell is believed to be the only law firm to date to be recognized by both the CLOC LIO Project and ACC Value Champion award series for its ability to implement legal solutions that cut spending, improve predictability and achieve better outcomes.

Outside the Office

Robert enjoys family time.

Robert cheers on his favorite sports teams, including the University of Illinois. At home, he enjoys family time, playing golf, studying history and tending to the grill.