Palm Harbor, FL business litigation attorney Robert D. Eckard discusses what it takes to be successful in the courtroom as well as his background & experience and his scholarly work. Knowing the rules of procedure and evidence thoroughly is essential in litigation. It is often said that trial law is won or lost before even entering the courtroom, much like a sporting event where preparation is key. A successful lawyer must not only be well-prepared but also familiar with the judge and opposing counsel. Confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to read and respond to others are critical attributes. A lawyer must adapt quickly, think on their feet, and adjust strategies as needed. High ethical standards, strong communication skills, and the ability to effectively convey the client’s story are vital because litigation is ultimately about competing narratives.

This individual is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law with honors and is licensed to practice in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Texas. They are admitted to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, all federal courts in Florida, the International Court of Trade, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court. After law school, they served as an Assistant State Attorney, handling a range of criminal cases from misdemeanors to felonies. They later pursued further education, earning an LLM in International Law and Business.

They have been recognized as one of Florida’s Super Lawyers from 2017 to 2023 in business litigation and have been listed among Florida’s Legal Elite for commercial and business litigation. As one of fewer than 300 lawyers in Florida who are board-certified in business litigation, their expertise spans both criminal and business law, uniquely qualifying them to handle cases with potential exposure in either field.

They have also contributed to legal education by teaching continuing education classes for lawyers and writing on various legal topics, including judgment enforcement, post-judgment proceedings, business litigation damages, handling business divorce, drafting covenants, and representations in contracts. They have explored the intersection of probate and business litigation, as well as proper billing practices for attorneys’ fees. Their experience extends to handling international criminal cases, such as narco-trafficking, and they have written about the complexities of international criminal defense. Additionally, they have authored articles on essential international treaties and conventions for U.S. lawyers and have taught courses on evidence and private placement memorandum law.