Robert L. Lieff is an American trial lawyer best known as a co‑founder of the plaintiff‑side law firm Lieff Cabraser, a prominent national firm specializing in class‑action and complex civil litigation.
Career
- Law practice – In 1972, Lieff co‑founded the firm then known as Lieff, Mishieur & Lubin (later renamed Lieff Cabraser) in San Francisco, California. He served as the firm’s chairman and senior partner for several decades, overseeing a docket that has included consumer protection, antitrust, environmental, and securities class‑action cases.
- Notable litigation – Under his leadership, the firm represented plaintiffs in high‑profile matters such as the California oil spill settlement (2005), the consumer‑class‑action case against a major automobile manufacturer (2007), and numerous privacy‑and‑data‑security suits. Lieff has been recognized by legal publications for his trial work and for securing multi‑billion‑dollar recoveries for plaintiffs.
- Professional affiliations – Lieff has held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice and has been a frequent speaker at bar association conferences on mass‑tort and class‑action practice.
Education
Publicly available biographical information indicates that Lieff earned a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School. Details regarding his undergraduate education and year of birth are not consistently documented in reliable encyclopedic sources.
Philanthropy and civic involvement
- Legal education – Lieff has contributed to scholarships and endowments at Stanford Law School and other academic institutions, supporting the education of future attorneys.
- Community service – He has supported a range of charitable causes, including health‑care initiatives, arts organizations, and educational programs, primarily through the Robert L. Lieff Family Foundation.
Recognition
Lieff has received awards from legal advocacy organizations for his contributions to plaintiffs’ rights and for his pro‑bono work. Specific award titles and dates vary among sources.
Personal life
Information about Lieff’s personal life, including family details and private activities, is limited in publicly accessible, verifiable sources.
References
- Firm history and press releases from Lieff Cabraser.
- Articles in legal industry publications (e.g., Law360, The American Lawyer) profiling Lieff’s career and notable cases.
- Stanford Law School donor acknowledgments.
Note: While Robert L. Lieff is a recognized figure in the American legal community, certain biographical details (e.g., exact birth date, early education) are not consistently documented in reliable encyclopedic references.