A perfect example of his commitment to relationships, Bob has been a member of the same networking group for over 20 years.

Bob serves as General Counsel for numerous closely held, often family owned, businesses, which by its very nature, encompasses corporate, real estate, employment and commercial litigation matters. He is experienced in all aspects of contract reviews and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and regularly handles the negotiations, acquisition, development and leasing of commercial properties. Bob currently serves on the Firm's Executive Committee.

A significant portion of Bob’s practice is representing clients who are exploring purchasing a franchise, for whom Bob guides them through due diligence and negotiation processes.

Bob also assists small businesses in all aspects of initial startup including entity selection and incorporation. His litigation experience includes prosecuting and defending non-compete lawsuits, contract disputes, and representation of financial institutions.

Education

Miami University, B.S., 1985, Pi Mu Epsilon

The Ohio State University College of Law, J.D., 1988

Distinctions

AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell

Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers Inductee - Class of 2000

Judge Joseph M. Harter Memorial Award for Achievement in Trial Practice

Professional Activities

• Cincinnati Bar Association - Past Chairman; Vice Chairman & Secretary of Admissions Committee
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Kentucky Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (OACTA) - Past Chairman; Commercial Litigation Committee
• Sharonville Chamber of Commerce
• Business Network International - Greater Cincinnati Chapter - Past President
• Business Network International - Tri-County Chapter - President
• The Dragonfly Foundation - Board Member; Secretary and Executive Committee Member
• EDOCS Inc. - Member of Advisory Board
• Kenwood Swim and Tennis Club - Past Member; Board of Trustees
• The Referral Network of Sharonville Chamber of Commerce - Membership Committee
• Theta Chi Fraternity Alumni Association - Gamma Kappa Chapter - Past Secretary & Trustee

Publications

Bob Brown likes to stay in touch.  He corresponds via email with his basketball coach from Perkins High in Sandusky.  He was saddened to learn a week or so prior to this writing that his high school tennis coach had passed.  He still reads his hometown newspaper, The Sandusky Register, on-line.  He’s also in touch with guys he used to work on the park service crew at Cedar Point, keeping the place looking good, picking up trash, setting up events, squeegeeing the midway after it rained.

“Dad’s rule was, you start a job the day school lets out and you keep working until the day school starts.  So that’s what I did at Cedar Point, from my high school sophomore year to the summer before my second year of law school.  It was good work, hard work.  I remember the Budweiser Clydesdales coming to parade up and down the midway.  Those horses were awesome.  Some of us led the way for them, and the rest of us followed behind with shovels.”

Bob grew up a Browns/Indians/Cavs fan.  He captained his high school basketball and tennis teams.  He played basketball in four leagues until a hip replacement at age 43.  His late parents were long-time educators for the Sandusky Public Schools.  He says he gets his work ethic from his father.  His mother instilled a sense of empathy.  Their divorce is likely the most difficult challenge he has faced.

“I was 14, my sister was 13.  We wanted to stay in the house where we grew up, and we really didn’t want to go to a new school.  For us to have that, Mom sacrificed.  She had a job opportunity in another part of the state, so we stayed in Sandusky with Dad.  Both parents loved us dearly, but it was toughest on Mom.  I think I grew up a little sooner than I might have otherwise.”

Bob met Toni on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They have two grown daughters, Alex, who is an Intervention Specialist with the Loveland City Schools, and Carly, who works as a veterinary tech and serves as the family’s official “Dog whisperer." Both girls are proud Miami grads, just like their dad, although Alex did marry an Ohio University alum.

These days, Bob plays tennis four times a week at Harper’s Point.  He likes working in the yard, gardening, then having a beer.  He loves OSU football.  He’d like to travel more.  He enjoys people and describes himself as laid back.

The joy for him in his work as a business lawyer is in watching his clients’ companies grow, being a part of that growth.  “The thing I like most is the feeling with my clients that we’re in this together.”