Robert M. Dees is a shareholder concentrating in commercial, insurance and tort litigation.

He regularly represents clients in admiralty and maritime disputes, media law and First Amendment claims, as well as insurance and business litigation matters in state and federal courts. He has over 17 years of experience handling matters for shipowners, P&I Clubs, marine insurers, towing companies, river and docking pilots, and recreational marine claims. Cases include insurance coverage disputes, collisions, personal injury, wage disputes, cargo damage, stowaways, container leasing contracts, charter disputes, contract disputes, yacht insurance claims, vessel fires and groundings.

In addition, Mr. Dees represents clients in media and communications law matters, including intellectual property, trademark and servicemark protection, First Amendment, defamation, Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Act, and privacy tort claims. Mr. Dees served as Chair of the Florida Bar Media and Communications Law Committee for 2002-2003.

Clients include Ace-USA, The Baker County Press, Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., Economic Zone Recovery Associates, GFR Leasing, Greater Jacksonville Transportation Co., Hopeman Brothers Marine Interiors, Indemnity Insurance Co., of North America, International Ship Repair and Marine Services, Inc., Introl Company, Lake Shore Radiator and Specialty Auto Parts, Lennar Corporation, McAllister Towing & Transportation Co., Inc., North American Data Systems, Inc., One Beacon Insurance Group, The Florida Star, The Standard Club, and Vertis, Inc.

Mr. Dees received his law degree from the University of Florida, was a member of the John Marshall Bar Association and received the American Jurisprudence Book Award for Civil Procedure. He earned a B.S. from Washington & Lee University in business administration and accounting.

His affiliations, interests and honors include:

Florida Bar Board Certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law

Member, American Bar Association (Member, Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Litigation Section)

Member, The Florida Bar (Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee; Media and Communications Law Committee, Committee Chair for 2002-2003)

Member, Maritime Law Association of the United States

Member, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (Port Director 1994-96)

Senior Member, Sunshine Litigation Team, First Amendment Foundation

Member, Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange

Member, The Propeller Club of Jacksonville (Board of Directors 2003 - )

Member, Jacksonville Bar Association

"AV" Rated