Bob Barton is a partner in the Louisiana-based law firm of Taylor Porter where he has been practicing law since 1994 and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Barton is a graduate of Louisiana State University and obtained his J.D. cum laude and M.B.A. from the University of Georgia. Mr. Barton’s practice is varied, consisting of representation of local and national businesses in matters involving commercial litigation and transactions, regulatory and compliance matters, and general litigation.

Mr. Barton is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, in federal court in the Middle, Western and Eastern Districts of Louisiana, in the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Barton is an active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar Association, and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. He currently serves as a member of the Louisiana State University NCAA Re-accreditation Committee.  Baton Rouge Business Report named Mr. Barton as one of Baton Rouge's "Top Forty Under 40" in 2003. He has lectured to lawyers, law students and business groups on various topics related to his practice areas.

Recent notable matters he has handled include:

• Representation of colleges and universities in matters pertaining to NCAA, NAIA and conference rules and regulations, and in other litigation, contract and compliance matters concerning their athletic departments;
• Representation of publicly traded consumer electronics store in lawsuits involving claims of false arrest, defamation and premises liability;
• Representation of large restaurant management group in acquisition of new restaurants and locations;
• Represented of the American Football Coaches Association as amicus curiae counsel in the landmark Maurice Clarett decision concerning eligibility for the National Football League draft. The AFCA supported the NFL’s rules regarding draft eligibility, a position upheld by the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court;
• Representation of directors of failed health care organization in suits by state regulators;
• Representation of directors of failed savings and loan organizations in suits by federal regulators;
• Representation of a Baton Rouge-based provider of lending software solutions in various matters, including its recent acquisition by one of the largest credit reporting agencies;
• Representation of a Baton Rouge-based leader in the sub-prime lending market in multiple matters, including various lawsuits and matters of a transactional nature;
• Representation of a major Baton Rouge-based investment company in various transactions.
• Successful representation of the largest private hospital in Louisiana in various proceedings, lawsuits and other matters;
• In 2004, drafted legislation with the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office to enact stricter rules governing the practices of sports agents in Louisiana, and testified before the Louisiana legislature in support of that legislation, along with the head football coaches at Louisiana State University and Southern University, as well as the Commissioner of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. The legislation passed in almost unanimous votes and became effective law in August 2004;
• Counsel to directors of the largest savings and loan association in Baton Rouge in lawsuits brought by the FDIC. Summary judgment granted in favor of the defendants;
• Counsel to a leading global financial services firm in various cases involving alleged forgeries and misappropriations by company bookkeepers, most recently obtaining judgment in the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, in favor of the bank and dismissing claims on over $700,000 of alleged conversions;
• National counsel to a major petrochemical company in lawsuits involving alleged exposures to vinyl chloride.
• Represented Fortune 100 company in obtaining summary judgment against an insurer, establishing the insurer's obligation to defend a multi-million dollar lawsuit in federal court. 

Mr. Barton is actively involved in the Baton Rouge community. He has been an active supporter of the Capital Area United Way, chairing sections and divisions for the 2003, 2004 and 2005 campaigns, and has served since 2005 as a member of the CAUW’s Board of Directors. He was also CAUW’s 2010 Chairman of Community Investment. Mr. Barton participates in the Baton Rouge Big Buddy Program and has coached various teams in youth sports.

Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rated