Robert’s practice focused on regulatory, administrative and government-relations matters before state and local governments and their agencies.

Robert continues his work serving as neutral in dispute resolution matters.

Relevant Experience

• Lobbying on behalf of the alcohol beverage industry, serving as chairman of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, 1982-1985; also representation on behalf of other industries' legislative interests, ranging from: automotive to healthcare (including medical professionals) to hospitality (restaurants, bars and hotels) to funeral directors.
• Regulatory and administrative litigation representing suppliers, distributors and franchisors in the following areas: alcohol beverage/food industries; professional services (including doctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists).
• Serves as neutral in mediations for disputes involving commercial and public policy matters.

Bar Admissions

• District of Columbia
• Virginia

Education
JD, Washington and Lee University School of Law, 1976BS, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1973

• Lobbying on behalf of the alcohol beverage industry, serving as chairman of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, 1982-1985; also representation on behalf of other industries' legislative interests, ranging from: automotive to healthcare (including medical professionals) to hospitality (restaurants, bars and hotels) to funeral directors.
• Regulatory and administrative litigation representing suppliers, distributors and franchisors in the following areas: alcohol beverage/food industries; professional services (including doctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists).
• Serves as neutral in mediations for disputes involving commercial and public policy matters.

• Board Member, Legal Services Corporation, 2010 to present
• President, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, 2010 to present
• Board of Governors, St. Catherine’s School, 2009-2015
• Board of Trustees, Washington and Lee University, 2008-2015
• President, American Bar Association, 2004-05

• Most Influential Black Lawyers, Savoy magazine, 2015
• American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence Award, 2015
• Robert J. Grey, Jr. Negotiation Competition Washington and Lee Award, 2006 to present
• Leaders in the Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Class of 2006
• National Bar Association's Gertrude E. Rush Award, 2003
• National Bar Association's Wiley A. Branton Award, 1998
• Alumni Star Award, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1995
• Order of the Court, Honorary Member, Washington and Lee University, 1993

• There is No Justice as Long as Millions Lack Meaningful Access to It, ABA Journal
• Diversity In the Legal Profession — A Stubborn Vision, Law360
• Are Law Firms, Legal Departments Ready to Answer the Diversity Call?, Bloomberg Law