Robert A. Stines

Partner

VCard

Tampa

[email protected]

Phone: (813) 488-2928

Fax: (813) 488-2960

Contact

Pamela R. Geer
Call
(813) 488-2930
Email
[email protected]

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.

- George S. Patton, Jr.

About

Robert Stines is a Partner in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the Emerging Industries Team.

Excellence, hard work, and innovation are the defining qualities of my litigation practice representing professionals, and small-to-medium size businesses. No matter the size of the client or the type of case, I genuinely strive to provide the best, result-oriented service possible. This has been the driving force throughout my journey starting in college as a performing arts major, to my career in the United States Army as a military intelligence analyst, to continuing my sense of service by handling pro bono matters in law school, then graduating magna cum laude in my class, and now my never-ending desire to evolve as the digital-age presents new challenges for my clients.

In representing professionals and SMBs, I litigate matters that affect companies interacting through the Internet and digital platforms such as cybersecurity, privacy, cyber-insurance, and e-discovery. To better assist clients with data privacy and cybersecurity matters, I earned a certificate as an IAPP US-law privacy professional. I have represented companies and professionals who have been sued for cyber-incidents where funds and private data were misappropriated.

A major component of my practice is representing professionals in contract disputes, legal malpractice lawsuits, unfair trade practices, employment agreements, shareholder disputes, and business torts. I have significant experience defending attorneys, insurance agents, and financial advisors in professional malpractice claims. I have also represented executives and key employees in breach of contract, restrictive covenants and equity disputes.

In addition to speaking engagements, I have written articles analyzing the evolution of cyber law, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. I also host a cyber law blog at techlawX.com.

When I am not fighting on behalf of my clients, I am fighting in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments around the world.

With a reputation for championing innovation and creativity, my goal is to provide 21st century legal service that continuously evolves to keep pace with the ever-changing business landscape.

Education

J.D. Stetson University College of Law magna cum laude Law Review
B.F.A. New York University

Certifications

Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics, University of South Florida
Expected Completion 2021

Certified Information Privacy Professional
U.S. Private-Sector
International Association of Privacy Professionals

State Bar Admissions

Florida

Federal Bar Admissions

U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Clerkships

Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Mary S. Scriven, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Representative Matters

Defended law firm involved in cybersecurity incident that resulted in clients making claims against the law firm.
Represented professional in insurance coverage action where insurer denied coverage for cybersecurity incident.
Handled various matters involving cyber related issues, such as hacking, spoofing, social media, online applications, cyber insurance, e-contracts, and e-discovery.
Pursued breach of contract claims on behalf of financial advisory firm with favorable results.
Defended provider of managed care health plans in contract disputes and compensation matters.
Prevailed in numerous insurance agency, agent and broker professional liability actions.
Resolved litigation against major clinical testing laboratory in claims related to breach of contract and unfair trade practices.
Successfully defended numerous law firms and attorneys in legal malpractice actions.
Represented producers and performers related to contract disputes.
Pursued claims on behalf of shareholders related to the formation and subsequent breach of equity agreements.
Negotiated favorable agreements on behalf of multinational private equity, alternative asset management and financial services corporation in real estate matters.
Litigated breach of contract claims on behalf of national restoration, reconstruction, and technical services company.

Honors & Awards

Tampa Magazine - Top Lawyers 2018 - Professional Malpractice Law: Defendants
Tampa Bay Business Journal - Up & Comers (2014)
Florida Super Lawyers - Rising Stars (2014-2019)
Victor O. Wehle Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy
Paul Barnard Award for Clinic Excellence
United States Army Achievement Medal
United States Army Commendation Medal

Professional Activities

Board Member, Gasparilla Film Festival
American Bar Association (Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Committee)
The Florida Bar Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law Section
Hillsborough County Bar Association

Speaking Engagements

Panelist, "Managing Risk at the Intersection of Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Business," American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Conference (March 6, 2020).
Panelist, “Issues in Cyber Coverages for Law Firms and Their Clients Alike,” American Bar Association, TIPS Section Conference (May 1, 2019).
Presenter, "Living in the Cyber-Age: Hackers, Computer Fraud Insurance, and Litigation," Florida Defense Lawyers Association Annual Meeting (September 15, 2018).
Panelist, “The Changing Landscape of Professional Liability," Association for Corporate Growth Tampa (May 2, 2018).