Sarasota attorney recertified as top expert in city, county and local government law

The Florida Bar recently announced that it has recertified Kirk Pinkerton, PA (www.kirkpinkerton.com) attorney Robert K. Robinson as an expert in the field of city, county and local government law, the highest standard attorneys working in that field can attain. Only 7 percent of Florida Bar members have achieved board certification, a process that requires substantial peer review and continuing education hours. Robinson is now officially board-certified through 2019.

While the Florida Bar requires that a board-certified attorney practice in his or her specific field at least 40 percent of the time, Robinson has well exceeded that requirement. His practice has focused almost exclusively on government work over the last five years. In addition to serving for 14 years as city attorney for the City of North Port, Robinson has handled administrative and employment work for the Sarasota County School Board, and has worked for the City of Venice, the City of Punta Gorda, County Constitutional officers and the Florida Department of Insurance.

“Someone once told me that government lawyers are the last of the general practice attorneys,” Robinson says. “We’re involved in everything local government is involved in, from contracts and lawsuits to land-use and employment issues. We handle everything.”

To receive the Florida Bar recertification, Robinson was required to detail large-scale projects in which he’s been involved in the last five years. As North Port city attorney, Robinson was involved in the negotiations over the purchase of Warm Mineral Springs and he also drafted a district residency program for the North Port City Commission. That process involved drafting language for a ballot amendment, something Robinson did repeatedly during his 14-year tenure with the city.

In the land-use arena, Robinson worked on a large Development of Regional Impact filed in Sarasota County, the Isles of Athena, a proposal to build 13,000 homes on 5,800 North Port acres. Robinson also filed briefs with and participated in oral arguments in front of the Florida Supreme Court in a case that determined whether local governments are allowed to charge other local governments special assessments on their property. The case established new precedent on the matter. Robinson was also in charge of creating a new North Port registry for couples in domestic partnerships seeking recognition by the city.

Robinson joined Kirk Pinkerton this fall after many years with Nelson Hesse, LLP. Since joining Kirk Pinkerton, Robinson has maintained his focus on government work, representing clients working with local entities. It’s a practice area now bolstered by the Florida Bar’s recognition of Robinson’s commitment to excellence.

“Board certification is one of the highest recognitions a lawyer in Florida can receive,” says Florida Bar President Gregory Coleman. “The very difficult testing and extensive background peer review to confirm professional conduct is such a high standard that just 7 percent of our eligible membership has achieved this level of recognition. All board certified attorneys should be extremely proud of their accomplishment.”

About Pinkerton, PA

One of Sarasota’s oldest law firms, Kirk Pinkerton, PA was founded in Sarasota as Williford & Kirk in 1926 and represented both John Ringling and his family in the ensuing decades, focusing on real estate acquisition and land development. Ever since its founding, the firm has played a major role in the development of the Sarasota area and has helped shape the future of the region. Today, the firm is home to 15 attorneys who practice in a wide range of fields. Kirk Pinkerton’s office is located at 240 S. Pineapple Ave., Sixth Floor, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-364-2400 or visit kirkpinkerton.com.