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Robert L. Tobey, Business Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation

Practicing business in Dallas since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Robert L. Tobey is an attorney based in Dallas, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnston Tobey Baruch PC.

Based in
Dallas, TEXAS
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
Business · General · Litigation
  • Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Dallas, TEXAS.
  • Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth) (2025).

About Robert L. Tobey: Robert L. Tobey is an attorney based in Dallas, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnston Tobey Baruch PC.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Robert takes on

Robert concentrates on business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Dallas, Texas

Robert takes business matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

General cases in Dallas, Texas

Robert takes general matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Dallas, Texas

Robert takes litigation matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Robert L. Tobey — business lawyer in Dallas

Robert L. Tobey is an attorney based in Dallas, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnston Tobey Baruch PC.

2020 Dallas Bar Association President Robert Tobey knows where all the bodies are buried. He is a master at preparing and handling cases for trial, arbitration, or settlement. Robert litigates cases himself and as part of the Johnston Tobey Baruch trial team.

“Robert’s attention to detail is phenomenal,” says firm co-founder Randy Johnston. “He can tell you exactly how to keep yourself out of trouble.”

Robert is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. More than any other specialization, this one requires a broad knowledge of civil law.

Robert served as the 2020 President of the Dallas Bar Association, an honor that speaks volumes about the respect he commands from his peers in the Dallas legal community. Robert presently serves as an Elected Director on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors.

A 1980 graduate of the University of Texas School of law, Robert began his undergraduate work at Southern Methodist University and graduated as a finance major (B.S. in Economics) from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was associated with two law firms before joining Randy Johnston in a litigation practice in 1987. Perhaps Robert’s best recommendation is the testimonial he received from a client who was defrauded by an investment company until Robert made it right.

“Our situation was desperate until Robert Tobey took the case.” “It was just Robert against a roomful of lawyers on the other side. And he outsmarted all of them.”

In 2020, Robert was named to the Lawdragon 500, which annually recognizes the 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He also earned selection as Lawyer of the Year in Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Dallas/Fort Worth in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by Best Lawyers in America. The Best Lawyers in America has recognized Robert every year since 2013 in its annual edition in the areas of Commercial Litigation, as well as Legal Malpractice Law and Professional Malpractice Law for both plaintiffs and defendants. Robert has been featured among the Texas Super Lawyers in 2003-2022 by Thomson Reuters, and earned Top 100 rankings statewide in 2015 and Top 100 in Dallas/Fort Worth in 2014-2015 and 2017. D Magazine and his peers voted him among the Best Lawyers in Dallas from 2013-2022. Robert has been assigned the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell and a superb 10.0 rating by Avvo.

For the past decade, Robert has been involved with a number of legal industry organizations. He currently serves as President of the Dallas Bar Association and served as Co-Chair of the Equal Access to Justice Campaign (2014-15), and as Chair of the Trials Skills Section (2015), the CLE Committee (2015), the Judiciary Committee (2014), the Transition to Law Committee (2013), the Bench Bar Committee (2012), the Tort and Insurance Practice Section (2011) and the Business Litigation Section (2010).

Robert also serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Partner Randy Johnston attests to his expertise. “When Robert speaks, you get true words of wisdom. If he says it, you can take it to the bank.”

Speaking Engagements

To book Robert Tobey to speak to your group, contact us at 214.741.6260.

Robert speaks often on the following topics:

  • How to Avoid Malpractice and the Grievance Committee
  • Contracting for Ethical Attorneys’ Fees
  • Social Media Topics
  • The Anti-SLAPP Statute
  • How to Avoid Being Robbed at Pen Point
  • The Art of Negotiation

How Robert handles business matters

2020 Dallas Bar Association President Robert Tobey knows where all the bodies are buried. He is a master at preparing and handling cases for trial, arbitration, or settlement. Robert litigates cases himself and as part of the Johnston Tobey Baruch trial team. “Robert’s attention to detail is phenomenal,” says firm co-founder Randy Johnston. “He can tell you exactly how to keep yourself out of…

Who Robert represents

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • The University of Texas

    J.D. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • Texas

    1980 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in The University of Texas.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Robert has received 20 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth)

    2025

  • Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth)

    2022

  • Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants (Dallas/Fort Worth)

    2021

  • Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth)

    2020

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters – 2003-2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — D Magazine

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — – 2012-2020

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers, 2020

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2015, 2017, 2024-2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers: 2015

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV-Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Avvo Rating - Superb 10.0/10.0

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants (Dallas/Fort Worth) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (Dallas/Fort Worth) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026).

Locations

Robert L. Tobey's office in Dallas

Robert's primary office is at 12377 Merit Drive, Suite 880, Dallas, Texas, 12377. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Johnston Tobey Baruch PC

12377 Merit Drive, Suite 880

Dallas, Texas 12377

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert L. Tobey

Robert has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert L. Tobey — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Dallas, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert

Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert L. Tobey

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Robert offer a free consultation?

    Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Dallas?

    Robert is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Robert accepting new business clients right now?

    Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas

Robert handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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