
Overview
Robert is a committed advocate who brings consummate problem-solving focusing to resolve complex commercial litigation in the energy, maritime, transportation, and construction. Robert’s indomitable work ethic pairs with his ability to nimbly grasp technical issues, allowing him to quickly craft custom, out-of-the-box solutions for clients, regardless of size or intricacy of the challenge.
As a trial lawyer, Robert’s knack for identifying with any audience, and his energetic and compassionate demeanor, make him a natural at clearly and persuasively presenting to a court or a jury. Having successfully tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts, and handled appeals in both jurisdictions, he is at ease in any setting. He is equally tenacious and effective in commercial matters, with experience in routine contract negotiations, entity purchases and acquisitions, and multi-million-dollar asset and equity transactions.
Hard work, preparation, and a “can-do” attitude are nothing new for Robert, who grew up with four younger brothers in a military family that moved all over the United States. That experience may be why family and friends describe him as “intensely committed,” “adaptable,” and “stubbornly loyal.” Outside the courthouse, he’s an accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor and avid rock climber who aspires to free climb the Freerider Route on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley one day.
Prior to joining Hall Maines Lugrin, Robert honed the fundamentals of trial practice at a large regional law firm before transferring to two other boutique law firms which focused on litigation and commercial matters, respectively.
Experience
- Josh Sprague v. Ed’s Precision Management, LLC, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Attorney-in-charge for local Houston business defending novel employment issues involving claims of interference, discrimination, and retaliation brought under federal leave statutes enacted in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Obtained partial summary judgment as to the interference claim and held Plaintiff to a verdict of $7,600.00 after rejecting a pretrial demand of nearly eight times that figure.
- DES Development, LLC v. RevHoney, Inc., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Represented Plaintiff DES Development, LLC, a Houston-based company, involved in a dispute based on breaches of a lease agreement for commercial bottling and distribution equipment valued at approximately half a million dollars. Obtained an outright dismissal of all Defendants’ counterclaims and third-party claims valued at more than $100 million. Also obtained summary judgment in favor of client with the Court determining all legal and factual matters in client’s favor and awarding damages for client in the amounts of (1) $296,165.99 in lost rents, (2) $179,595.50 in attorneys’ fees, (3) $50,753.93 in pre-judgment interest, (4) $1,283.00 in taxable litigation costs, and (4) post-judgment interest at 6%. The District Court’s Final Judgment totaled $530,401.22.
- Green Tower Development, LLC v. BMC West Corporation, 295th Civil District Court of Harris County, Texas. Represented Plaintiff commercial and residential property developer involved in a contractual dispute with materials provider. Obtained partial summary judgment wherein the Court found Defendant’s contractual damage limitation provision unenforceable as a matter of law.
- Amanda Olivier v. Nabors Drilling USA, L.P. and Yuma Exploration and Production, Inc.; 80th Civil District Court of Harris County, Texas. Represented Defendants operator and drilling contractor related to an incident occurring on a land-based drilling rig in Louisiana. Drafted motion for summary judgment on behalf of Yuma Exploration and Production, Inc. (operator) based on Louisiana law which led Plaintiffs to abandon their claims against Yuma.
- Anthony Jerome Powell v. Pioneer Natural Resources Co.; 151st Civil District Court of Harris County, Texas. Represented Defendant operator (Pioneer Natural Resources Co.) in a dispute related to an injury incident on a well-site. Obtained complete summary judgment on behalf of clients based on Chapter 95 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code.
- Mohammad Nazir v. Englobal Systems, Inc., et al, in the 60th District Court of Jefferson County, Texas, the Honorable Gary Sanderson presiding. Represented Defendant energy engineering services company involved in an injury lawsuit related to a transportation incident. After a multi-day jury trial obtained a directed verdict and assisted co-defendant in obtaining a complete defense verdict with a finding of negligence against the Plaintiff.
- Christine Golden v. Yellowbook, Inc., No. H-13-0064, 2014 WL 297475 (S.D. Tex. Jan. 27, 2014) (non pub.). Represented Defendant Yellowbook, Inc. in a personal injury lawsuit brought by contractor. Obtained complete summary judgment on behalf of Yellowbook, Inc.
- Represented local Houston, TX homeowner Plaintiffs in complex construction defect lawsuit against multiple contractors and sub-contractors and succeeded in obtaining substantial confidential settlement (more than four times Defendants’ initial counter-offer) after taking only a single deposition.
- Represented major Houston-based lymphedema and wound-care provider in negotiating reacquisition of shares and removal of directors, as well as in subsequent negotiation of equity sale and reorganization of director, officer, and manager rights and obligations.
- Represented Houston-based heavy machinery company with 8-figure equity sale transaction and restructuring of director, officer, and member rights and obligations.
- Represented Ohio-based company providing a variety of in-person and virtual rock climbing training across the globe in overhauling its liability waivers, releases, and indemnity agreements.
- Represented international rock climbing podcast with formation and organization of parent entity.
Education
- University of Houston Law Center, J.D., 2012.
- University of Texas, Bachelor of Arts, 2008.
Admissions
Texas
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Awards/Rankings
- Super Lawyers Rising Star in Texas, 2019-23, Thompson Reuters
Community Involvement
- Texas Climbers Coalition, Member, 2020-Present
- Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition, Member, 2020-Present
- Access Fund, Member, 2020-Present
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Competitor
Memberships
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Outside The Office
I’m rock climbing, training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or working on a house project with my wife. When the work and training are done, my wife and I like to explore new restaurants and watch Formula One.
Favorite sports teams
Red Bull Racing Team - Formula One
Last Reads
How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey
Midnight In Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham
The Martian by Andy Weir
Quote I live by
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson