Robert Burlington is Managing Member and co-founder of the firm. In his more than 45 years of practice, he has litigated and as lead counsel tried to verdict a wide variety of jury and non-jury trials in state and federal courts. He has also served as lead counsel in multiple arbitrations. These cases include business torts, commercial and real estate contract disputes, professional malpractice, securities transactions, class actions, as well as many aspects of state and federal employment litigation. He has built his practice by assisting clients in formulating cost-effective litigation strategies, responsive service, and outstanding results.
Mr. Burlington is also a sought-after arbitrator including having served on a panel in a major medical hospital arbitration alongside Ken Feinberg as party chosen arbitrators.
His peers and clients praise him for his “absolute trial-ready preparedness” and as an “exceptional trial lawyer.”
“Robert is an extraordinary trial lawyer who is known for his fantastic courtroom presence.” Matt Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Related Group.
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Education
- University of Miami School of Law, cum laude, 1978
- Chicago-Kent School of Law ,1975-1976
- Member, Law Review
- University of Miami, B.A., cum laude, 1973
Admitted to Practice
- The Florida Bar
Practice Focus
- Complex Commerical Disputes
- Law Firm Defense
- Real Estate Litigation
- Partnership Disputes
- Arbitration
- Financial Services and Banking Litigation
- Product Liability
Representative Experience
Though all cases vary, and none is predictive, Robert’s experiences include:
- Together with partner Jeffrey Crockett, successfully defended and secured the only jury acquittal of a central figure in one of the nation’s most notorious and high-profile criminal prosecutions following the nationwide collapse of the savings and loan industry.
- Together with partner Kendall Coffey won multi-million-dollar verdict following six-week jury trial on behalf of developer against municipal government.
- Together with partner Kevin Kaplan won jury trial and on appeal for major aircraft leasing company in defense of business tort claims by commercial airline.
- Won at trial court and on appeal in covenant not to compete claims.
- Won Summary Judgment in federal court and on appeal in professional negligence claim for major national law firm.
- Won at trial on behalf of major national law firm against NYSE Company for unpaid and disputed legal fees.
- Won Summary Judgement in defending Fair Housing Act claims.
- Together with Partner Paul Schwiep defeated Class Certification at trial court and on appeal of consumer claims against large insurance company.
- Together with partner Paul Schwiep won jury verdict and on appeal defeating fraud and deceptive trade practices claims on behalf of major developer.
- Together with partner Dan Blonsky won jury verdict in federal court on Title VII sexual harassment and tort claims.
- Won jury verdict on behalf of homeowner sellers sued for alleged fraudulent concealment by purchaser.
- Won jury verdict in multi-party federal court litigation on behalf of NYSE company sued by franchisee and worldwide logistics company.
- Won in arbitration in defense of legal malpractice claims on behalf of major national law firm.
- Co-counsel with national firm in successful defense of employment related claims against largest U.S. telecommunications provider.
- Co-counsel with national firm in successful defense of product liability claims against major pharmaceutical company.
- Co-counsel with major national firm in federal class action against health insurance industry.
- Co-counsel with major national firm in successfully defending nationwide property owners against asbestos claims.
Professional and Community Involvement
- Appointed by Chief Judge to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures
- Appointed by Chief Judge to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee, Peer Review and Attorney Grievance
- Adjunct Professor – University of Miami School of Law
- Chaired and served on many Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education programs
- Former President, Friends for the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Former Member, Metro-Dade Police Citizen Advisory Board
- Former Member, Florida Highway Safety Board
- First Tee Miami – Advisory Board
- Woody Foundation – Board of Directors
- Member, Board of Directors, First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association
Awards and Recognition
- Chambers and Partners
- Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” Legal Malpractice Defense, 2022 and 2024
- Voted by peers into the South Florida “Legal Hall of Fame”
- Voted for more than 15 years as one of “Florida’s Top Lawyers”- Florida Legal Guide
- Top Lawyer, Florida SuperLawyers