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As Florida's Attorney General, Robert A. "Bob" Butterworth received national recognition for his success in enforcing victim and consumer protection, environmental, civil rights and antitrust laws. He was a leader in the multi-state litigation against the tobacco industry, bringing $11 billion to the state, and was voted the top Attorney General in the nation by his peers. In addition to his leadership in the multi-state litigation against the tobacco industry, he was responsible for the passage of numerous Florida statutes and was the impetus behind amendments to Florida's Constitution expanding open government to all three branches of government and reforming the state's antiquated Cabinet system.
As Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, Butterworth made substantial improvements to the troubled department’s operations, and successfully closed more than 229 cases involving litigation and appeals.
Twice, governors have called on Butterworth to serve as a troubleshooter: Once, to head the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the parent agency of the Florida Highway Patrol, to reform that police force and implement diversity into its ranks, and, again, to serve as interim mayor of a South Florida city plagued by political corruption. In addition, Butterworth has served as a county judge, circuit judge, prosecutor and Broward County sheriff.
Drawing on his extensive career in public service, Butterworth focuses his practice on government affairs, advising corporate and business clients in a wide range of matters. For instance, he recently assisted FPL with an integrity audit, helping the statewide utility rebuild public trust. He holds Martindale Hubbell’s highest “AV” rating. Butterworth was a member of the firm in the 1980s, prior to his long service in state government, and returned in early 2009.
Butterworth received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Miami Law School. He also completed advanced studies in international law at the University of Miami Graduate School of Law and holds honorary doctorates from Stetson University, Nova Southeastern University, Florida A&M University and Barry University. Early in his legal career, Butterworth served as an adjunct professor at the Nova University Graduate School of Criminal Justice and served on that university's national faculty.
Practice Description
Butterworth focuses his practice on governmental affairs, advising corporate and business clients in a wide range of matters, including:
- Corporate ethics audits
- Corporate integrity audits
- Compliance and regulatory audits
- Crisis management
- Rebuilding trust with key stakeholders
- Mitigating regulatory risks
- State regulatory issues
- Federal regulatory issues
- Local regulatory issues
- Governmental relations
Public and Academic Service
Butterworth was one of Florida’s most distinguished public servants. His service on a local, regional and state level includes:
- Florida’s longest serving Attorney General, 1986-2002
- National Association of Attorneys General, Consumer Protection Committee
- Secretary, Florida Department of Children and Families, 2007-2009
- Dean, St. Thomas University School of Law, 2003-2007
- Senior Judge, State of Florida Judiciary
- Broward County Judge
- Circuit Court Judge
- Broward County prosecutor
- Broward County sheriff
Awards and Honors
- National Governors Association (NGA) Award for Distinguished Service to State Government, 2007
- Top Attorney General in the Nation
Professional Articles and Speaking Engagements
- National Association of Attorneys General
Bob can be reached by email at rab@atkinson-diner.com