Biography
Robert’s practice is built around representing clients in highly regulated industries. His clients often operate under significant government oversight and rely on Robert to help them navigate the complexity of their industry’s regulations. Robert’s administrative law expertise, as well as his relationships across varying Ohio agencies, enables him to competently and cost-effectively represent his clients.
Public Utilities
With experience advising retail energy providers, counseling non-profits, advocating for customers, and negotiating disputes between utilities, Robert regularly serves clients with an array of Energy + Environmental needs. He has represented clients in a variety of matters relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, rate design, retail certification and compliance concerns, and issues at the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Gaming + Sports Betting
Robert serves as chair of the firm’s Gaming + Sports Betting practice area, where he represents local and national clients on both individual gaming matters and statewide gaming issues. He has counseled charitable organizations and businesses on how to properly implement raffles, sweepstakes, and other promotional activities, and can guide clients through the Casino Control Commission’s licensing process. As part of his dual role in the Gaming and Government Affairs practices, Robert stays informed of new and emerging forms of gaming within Ohio. Now that Ohio has legalized sports and mobile gaming, Robert is working on business strategy with clients, including fantasy sports operators, and with all three types of sports gaming proprietors, gaming suppliers, and management and mobile management services providers, on the licensing process and the most effective ways to capitalize on the growth in sports gaming across the country as they create, build, and market sports gaming-related businesses.
Liquor
Robert helps clients choose and apply for the right liquor license for their business. Whether they need to acquire a new or existing license, transfer a license, renew their current license, are undergoing a change of ownership, or seeking to change their location’s status from dry to wet, Robert is prepared to guide his client through the process. He can also help resolve permit violations and objections before the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control and represents clients in appeals before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
Government Affairs
Robert understands that representing clients in highly regulated industries requires advocating for them not just before governing agencies but also at the statehouse. Robert keeps his clients informed of the legislative issues that could impact their business and works with the firm’s Government Affairs team to create a comprehensive strategy designed to meet his clients’ objectives.
Practice Areas
Education
- Capital University Law School (J.D., 2014)
- The Ohio State University (B.A., 2011)
Bar Admissions
- Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Professional Affiliations
- Ohio State Bar Association, member
- Columbus Bar Association, member
Special Honors
- Selected to the Ohio Rising Star list by Super Lawyers, 2023-2024
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones To Watch, 2023