News Summary
Robinson Bradshaw law firm announces the appointment of Stephen Cox as managing partner. Cox succeeds Allen Robertson, who led the firm for a decade. With a focus on maintaining the firm’s collaborative culture, Cox aims to continue the firm’s significant growth and uphold its commitment to corporate social responsibility. This leadership transition follows the recent passing of co-founder Russell Robinson II, marking an important moment in the firm’s history as it looks to secure its role in North Carolina’s business community.
North Carolina – The Robinson Bradshaw law firm has announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as its new managing partner, following the significant leadership of Allen Robertson, who held the position for the last decade. This leadership transition comes at a time when the firm, which operates three offices in North Carolina and one in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has grown substantially, boasting a total of 175 attorneys and 105 support staff.
Cox, who has been with Robinson Bradshaw since 1997, has seen the firm more than double in size during his tenure. He takes over the managing partner role while Robertson will continue his practice as a public finance lawyer within the firm. As managing partner, Cox’s primary focus will be to maintain the firm’s collaborative culture, emphasizing the importance of team-oriented individuals who can build lasting client relationships.
The law firm, established in 1960 by Russell Robinson II and Carlton Fleming, has played a vital role in developing North Carolina into a prominent business center. It has represented a wide array of clients, from major corporations to entrepreneurial families, enhancing its reputation in the legal community. The firm’s recent growth trajectory has remained resilient despite increasing competition from law firms expanding in the Charlotte area.
Stephen Cox hails from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, located near Charleston, and is noted for being possibly the first resident of his town to attend Harvard University. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1996 and ultimately secured a summer internship at Robinson Bradshaw, a firm he was initially unfamiliar with prior to his internship. Throughout his education, Cox had notable classmates, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. During his recruitment process, he was interviewed by Allen Robertson, who later became a mentor during his career progression.
Cox, now based in Charlotte, specializes in complex litigation, with a strong focus on employment and construction disputes. His significant achievements include defending Wachovia Bank in shareholder lawsuits following its acquisition by Wells Fargo and effectively causing the decertification of a class action case that could have resulted in damages exceeding $100 million. He has presented cases before both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
While the firm has seen a steady increase in its workforce and capabilities over the years, Cox underscores the importance of a cohesive culture across its four locations. This cultural cohesion is viewed as critical to leveraging the firm’s resources and ensuring a seamless client experience, despite the distribution of staff across multiple offices.
The recent passing of Russell Robinson II at the age of 93, co-founder of the firm, marks a poignant moment for Robinson Bradshaw. Robinson’s legacy extends beyond his work, with notable contributions to legal scholarship, including the publication of “Robinson on North Carolina Corporation Law.” His influence is felt within the firm’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and active participation in community affairs, an ethos that Cox intends to continue nurturing in his new role.
Through this leadership transition, Robinson Bradshaw reaffirms its dedication not only to the legal profession but also to its roots in the community, ensuring that it remains an integral part of North Carolina’s business landscape for years to come. As Stephen Cox steps into his new position, the firm anticipates continued growth and success in its mission to represent its clients with excellence and integrity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business NC: Robinson Bradshaw Names Cox as Managing Partner
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- Business NC: Famed N.C. Lawyer Russell Robinson II Dies at 93
- Wikipedia: Russell Robinson II
- Law360: Robinson Bradshaw Adds Ex-FBI Deputy Chief of Staff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
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