Robert Persante

"Cross-examination is the greatest lie detector test ever invented." 

Born

Revere, Massachusetts, May 7, 1957

Distinctions

• Martindale Hubbell, AV rating
• The Barney Award: Presented by the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court to the trial lawyer who demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal excellence in the practice of law (2014)
• Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow (2013- present)
• Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite (2011-present)
• Florida Super Lawyers (2010-present)
• Best Lawyers in America (2013-present)
• Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Graduate (2012)
• Life Chess Master, United States Chess Federation  (2001 – present)
• Chess Master, United States Chess Federation (1985 – present)
• Special Services Award, United States Chess Federation (2005)
• California Western Law Review Staff Writer and Notes and Comments Editor (1981-1983)
• American Jurisprudence Award in Civil Procedure, California Western School of Law (1981)
• Avvo Rating 10.0/10.0

Professional, Civic, and Community Involvement

• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Court Mediator (2009-present)
• Barney Masterson American Inn of Court, past president and member
• The Florida Bar
• Clearwater Bar Association, Member
• Hillsborough County Bar Association, Securities Section Member (2014-Present)
• Complex Commercial Litigation Institute, Member
• The Trial Law Institute, Member
• Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association
• The Family Law Commentator, "Direct Examination of a Business Valuation Expert for Professional Corporations," Persante and Stahl, Vol. XXI, No. 1, October 1995
• The Family Law Commentator, "Cross-Examination of a Business Valuation Expert for Professional Corporations, Vol. XXI, No. 2, December 1995
• The Florida Bar Media and Communications Committee Member (1999)
• The Florida Bar Advisory Board (LOMAS) Member (2000)
• Florida Supreme Court Family Law Mediator (1996-2004)
• United States Chess Federation By-Laws Committee (2014 – present)
• Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, President (2019)

 

Education

• California Western School of Law, J.D., 1983
• University of South Florida, B.A., 1979

Certifications 

•  Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Court Mediator

Memberships

• The Florida Bar
• Clearwater Bar Association
• Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
• Barney Masterson American Inn of Court: President - 2003-2004; Member - 1999 - present
• Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association

Admissions

• Florida
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Colorado

Practice Areas

• Probate and Estate Litigation
• Trust Litigation
• Business / Commercial Litigation
• Securities Litigation and Arbitration