Robert Johnson headshot.

Robert F. Johnson

Special Counsel

Robert F. Johnson

Special Counsel

Litigation lawyer Robert (Rob) Johnson focuses his practice on complex litigation disputes and appeals across a wide range of industries, often representing companies and owners as individuals who are of interest to the Texas Attorney General’s office. He represents local, regional, and national clients and has been involved in matters dealing with:

  • Open records (PIA and FOIA litigation) and open meetings issues
  • Sovereign immunity and 11th Amendment
  • Civil investigative demand
  • Medicaid fraud and consumer protection
  • Agency regulatory investigations, actions, and contested hearings
  • International jurisdictional and venue issues
  • Injunctions and restraining orders
  • Frozen assets, both corporate and individual

In addition to his steadfast courtroom demeanor, clients – both large and small – turn to Rob for his experienced counsel regarding risk management, trade secret protection, and litigation avoidance. Rob is also a trained mediator.

Prior to joining the firm, Rob served for more than five years as an assistant attorney general in Austin, focusing on employment and civil rights law, as well as defending the constitutionality of Texas statutes and rules. He defended state agencies and officials in both state and federal trials and appeals. Before the Office of the Texas Attorney General, Rob was a litigator for a local Austin law firm, and he served as a staff attorney for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, also in Austin.

Awards and Recognition

  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Government Contracts (2021-2023)

Affiliations

  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, Austin Bar Association (cast member, annual AYLA Bar & Grill show)
    • CLE Presenter at 2015 Austin Bench Bar Conference

Community Involvement

  • Elder, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church (2013-present)
    • Chair, Personnel Committee and Denominational Discernment Committee
  • Director, Circle C Homeowners Association (2007-2013)
    • President (2008)
    • Vice President (2007)
  • Elder, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church (2013-present)
    • Chair, Personnel Committee and Denominational Relationships Committee
  • Texas Choral Consort – Bass
  • Mentor, Kids Hope USA – mentoring at-risk first grader at local elementary school
  • Volunteer, Austin Disaster Relief Network – providing local disaster response
  • Former Vice President, Cherry Creek on Brodie Neighborhood Association (2000-2004)
  • Former President, Windermere Homeowners Association (1995-2000)
  • Former Chair, Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations (1998-2000)
  • Former Member, Pflugerville Airport Steering Committee (1999, 2000)
12 June 2024 Honors and Awards

Foley Receives Partnership Award from Direct Selling Association

Foley & Lardner LLP received the Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) Partnership Award in recognition of the firm’s services to the DSA and its significant victory on behalf of a DSA member.
05 April 2024 Honors and Awards

Foley Receives Bravo Supplier Award from DSN for Historic Neora Win Against FTC

Foley & Lardner LLP was awarded the Bravo Supplier Award from Direct Selling News in recognition of the firm’s “pivotal role in Neora’s battle against the Federal Trade Commission.
04 October 2023 In the News

Foley’s Historic Win in Case Against FTC Featured in Legal Press

Foley & Lardner LLP’s announcement of the complete exoneration of its client Neora in a landmark case against the Federal Trade Commission is featured in legal press, including the Bloomberg Law article, “Neora Beats Back Pyramid Scheme Allegations in Loss for FTC.”
29 September 2023 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Neora in Winning Historic Case Against FTC

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that after a more than seven-year battle, the firm has secured a complete victory for leading direct-selling wellness company Neora and its founder Jeff Olson in a landmark case against the FTC.
01 August 2023 In the News

Foley’s Austin Office and Government Solutions Practice Group Featured for Unique Strengths

Foley & Lardner LLP’s Austin office is featured in The Texas Lawbook article, “Foley’s Austin Office Is Hub for Firm’s Government, AG Practice,” highlighting the office’s Government Solutions and State Attorneys General practice groups, its adaptability in times of change over the last five years, and its plans for continued strategic growth.
18 August 2022 Press Releases

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced that 250 of our attorneys across 20 offices have received recognition in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.