Robert is an experienced trial lawyer who has had over 30 jury trials who concentrates his practice representing plaintiffs and defendants in the areas of commercial litigation, personal injury, and real estate disputes.
He was an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1972. He joined Gray Plant Mooty in 1981 as a principal.
Representative Cases
- Mavco, Inc. v. Eggink, 720 N.W.2d 841 (Minn.App.2006) (issue of priority between a lender and mechanic’s lien claimant)
- Schneider ex rel. Schneider v. Erickson and Wal-Mart, 654 N.W.2d 144 (Minn.App.2002) (liability issues for paintball injury)
- Netland v. Hess & Clark, Inc., 284 F.3d 895 (8th Cir. 2002) (liability issues for insecticide use)
- Netland v. Hess & Clark, Inc., 140 F.Supp.2d 1011 (D.Minn.2001)
- Kay v. Peter Motor Co., Inc., 483 N.W.2d 481 (Minn.App.1992) (employment sexual harassment issues)
- Fouquette v. First American Nat. Securities, Inc., 464 N.W.2d 760 (Minn.App.1991) (securities fraud action issues concerning required arbitration)
- Powell v. City of Clearwater, 389 N.W.2d 206 (Minn.App.1986) (issues involving city’s power to raze building to correct hazardous conditions)
- St. Cloud Aviation, Inc. v. Pulos, 375 N.W.2d 543 (Minn.App.1985) (issues of contract damages for services rendered)
- St. Cloud Aviation, Inc. v. Hubbell, 356 N.W.2d 749 (Minn.App.1984) (employer’s contract claims involving termination of commissioned salesman)
Publications
- “Persuasive Trial Arguments,” Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, 1991, contributing author
- “Inside the Minds: Addressing a Client’s Litigation Issues,” Aspatore Books, 2008
Presentations
- “Presentation for Trial Advocacy,” National Institute, Oct. 2003
- “Professionalism in Your Practice,” Stearns-Benton Bar Association, June 2003
- “Resolving Insurance Claims,” American Arbitration Association, Sept. 1993
Education
- University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1976
- State University of New York, M.A.
- University of Minnesota, B.A., cum laude, 1969
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1981
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1978
- Minnesota, 1976
Professional Activities
- Minnesota Supreme Court, Commission on Judicial Selection, Seventh Judicial District
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Civil Litigation section, Governing Council, past chair
- Seventh Judicial District Bar Association
- Stearns-Benton County Bar Association
- Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota, past dean
- Minnesota Association for Justice
- Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association, 1990-present
Honors and Distinctions
- Seventh Judicial District Pro Bono Award, 2009
Community Involvement
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Cloud, past president
- St. Cloud State University Institutional Review Board, member
- District 742 School Board, Local Educational Activities Foundation, allocation chair
- St. Cloud ARISE, board member
- St. Cloud Lions Club, member and past president
- Minnesota Association for Justice, member