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Professional background
Biography image

Robert W.Burger

Partnermoc.eniHnospmohT@regruB.boR
Cleveland

O 216.566.5790

Robert W.Burger

Partner

Focus Areas

  • Successfully defended shipowner in a jury trial in state court in Wisconsin in which the plaintiff alleged a career-ending back injury, resulting in a verdict for shipowner.
  • Successfully defended shipowner in a jury trial in federal court in Michigan in which the plaintiff sustained a career-ending injury, resulting in a verdict for shipowner.
  • Successfully represented a Great Lakes shipowner in connection with a grounding that resulted from the negligence of another vessel, resulting in a decision and award from the trial court in shipowner’s favor.
  • Successfully represented shipowner in an enforcement proceeding brought by a state environmental agency, resulting in the agency dropping all charges of wrongdoing.
  • Successfully represented several shipowner in connection with an investigations by U.S. Coast Guard related to alleged wrongful discharge, resulting in no action against shipowners.
  • Successfully represented marine engineer in connection with criminal indictment for wrongful discharge of oil, which resulted in the U.S. Coast Guard dropping all charges.
  • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019 to 2025 for Admiralty and Maritime Law, and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants

Professional Associations

  • Maritime Law Association of the United States, proctor member, Maritime Torts Committee

Professional Activities

  • Propeller Club, Port of Cleveland, Board of Governors, 2010 to present, past president 2013, past secretary/treasurer 2014 to 2022
  • Argonaut, formerly PHASTAR, Board of Directors 2023

Education

  • Tulane Law School, J.D., 1997,
    cum laude
    ,

    editor in chief, Tulane Maritime Law Journal, Vol. 21, 1996-97

  • Maine Maritime Academy, B.S., 1993,
    magna cum laude
    ,

    valedictorian

Bar Admissions

  • Ohio

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio