Overview
Robert Hellner is the managing partner of WSHB's Dallas office. He dedicates his practice to civil litigation defense and is recognized nationally for his results in defending and resolving major casualty, employment and management liability matters in multiple states.
Robert supervises the civil litigation teams in Dallas who are often called upon for rapid response investigation and the defense of employer liability, sexual assault, catastrophic loss and wrongful death claims across the State of Texas. In his practice, Robert actively litigates multi-plaintiff tort and statutory claims in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio metropolitan areas, as well as in several other locations, including El Paso, Tyler and Beaumont.
In connection with the firm's national employment practice, Robert defends civil actions in both federal and state forums in multiple states involving commercial torts, trade secrets, non-compete issues, and discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII, ADA, FLSA and the numerous associated state and local laws.
As part of his everyday practice, Robert leverages his experience defending a broad variety of matters. He has a deep appreciation for the strategic goals of our clients and always strives to achieve the best resolution possible -- whether through a final defense verdict, appeal or early resolution. Further, as a relationship partner for domestic and foreign carriers and private clients, Robert works closely with claims teams, underwriters and risk managers to help identify and anticipate emerging liabilities and legal trends.
Robert is a frequent speaker on a brand range of topics, among them e-discovery litigation strategies and emerging employer liabilities, including under the Affordable Care Act and the ADA. In addition, Robert is a requested contributor to leading legal journals, including CLM Magazine.
Experience
Credentials
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., 2005, Journal of Technology Law & Policy)
- Carnegie Mellon (B.A., 2001, University Honors)
Licensed to Practice in
- Texas
- Connecticut
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
- Mohegan Tribal Gaming Court – Court of General Jurisdiction (CT)
Newsroom
News
Events, Seminars & Speaking Engagements
- "Effective Tactics for Handling Harassment Claims Involving Executives: The First 48 Hours," Presenter, CLM Management & Professional Liability Conference, Boston, MA (2018)
- "ADA Internet Access Litigation," Presenter, CLM Annual Conference, Houston, TX (2018)
- Beazley Group Defense Counsel Summit, Employment Practices Liability (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- "Employment Practices Liability Insurance & Risk Management Strategies,” Presentation, Women Construction Owners & Executives (June 2017)
- “Employment Retaliation Trends in 2017,” Defense Counsel Summit, Beazley Group (May 2017)
- “Employment Practices Liability & Trends in Defense Handling,” Presentation, Farmers Commercial Agents’ Conference (July 2016)
- “ACA: Employer Liabilities,” Webinar, New Jersey State Bar Association (May 2014)
- “The Affordable Care Act: Emerging Liabilities for Employers and Insurers,” XpertHR Webinar, March 2014
Publications
- Editor and Contributor for National Forum for Environmental & Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI) newsletter, 2009 - 2010
- ACA Liabilities: Workplace Wellness Programs in EEOC Crosshairs, L&E Alert (December 2014)
- Politics in the Workplace, CLM (Issue - September 2016)
Community
Memberships
- New York Bar Association, Employment CLE Committee
- Hartford County Bar Association
- Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
- NAPEO – National Association of Professional Employer Organizations, Associate Member
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society
- ReUnder40 – Under 40 Reinsurance Group
- Loyal Scot, Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association
- Broadway Impact, ING NYC Marathon, 2013