Robert has been a pivotal figure in government relations law for nearly 40 years, lobbying local, state, and federal governments on behalf of public and private clients.
Robert represents a diverse range of clients, including major corporations like Airbnb, Crown Castle, Landry's, and Phillips 66. His notable achievements include helping to keep the Houston Astros in Houston by facilitating the creation of a Sports Authority, which led to the construction of a retractable roof stadium.
Robert navigates complex legislative landscapes to secure outcomes on behalf of clients, such as passing 5G legislation and establishing a statewide framework for transportation network companies. He brings a strategic approach to government relations, which helps to enhance clients’ political visibility and business influence.
Robert’s extensive experience and leadership in civic organizations, including serving as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, underscore his commitment to public service and advocacy.
Representative Matters
• Represented the Houston Astros in drafting and lobbying the passage of legislation creating a Sports Authority and authorizing the levying of taxes on car rentals and hotel rooms to fund the construction of a new retractable roof baseball stadium in Houston. Thereafter, participated in the negotiation of the development, construction, and financing documents with the Sports Authority and obtained city and county approval of the deal.
• Represented Uber when it commenced operations in Houston in 2013, and subsequently at the Texas legislature in passing a statewide framework for transportation network companies in 2017.
• Represent Airbnb at the local and state levels in connection with its Texas operations.
• Represent Crown Castle and spearheaded the passage of 5G legislation through the Texas legislature.
• Represent Landry’s, Inc., the Houston Rockets, and Tilman J. Fertitta, providing government relations representation at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Served as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, on a volunteer basis and spearheaded the approval and development of Houston's first light rail line.
Professional and Community Involvement
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Houston Bar Association
• >Former director, Neighborhood Centers Inc.
• Director, South Main Alliance
• Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum
• Board member, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) (1996-2003)
• Former director, Houston International Festival (1997-2002)
• Former director, The Texas Lyceum (1995-1998)
• Former director and president, Vote Texas (1995-1998)
• Former chairman, Battleship Texas Advisory Board (1988-1992)
• Member, Houston Convention Fund Finance Committee (1991-1994)
• Member, Leadership Houston Class X (1991-1992)
• Former director, Citizens' Commission on the Texas Judiciary
• Former director, Committee for Judicial Merit Election
• Former director, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
Rankings and Recognitions
• Capitol Inside, One of Texas' Top 2 Lobbyists (2023)
• Texas Lawyer, Texas Trailblazer (2019)
• The Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Practice (2007-2024)
• The Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Practice, Lawyer of the Year (2024)
• Who's Who in American Law (1990)
• Who's Who in America, 50th Edition (1996)
• Houston Jaycees, One of Five Outstanding Young Houstonians (1992)
Professional Experience
• Legislative aide, Senator Don Henderson, The 68th Legislature
• Chairman, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) (1998-2002)
Bar Admissions
• Texas
Education
• The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with honors, Phi Delta Phi; Order of the Coif
• Rice University, B.A., cum laude
