Robert L. Byer

Robert L. Byer is a partner at Duane Morris LLP in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia who concentrates on appellate advocacy and legal issues litigation. A former judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, he has argued or briefed more than 300 appeals in federal and state appellate courts. His practice covers complex civil litigation, corporate governance, intellectual property, administrative law, tax, real estate, insurance coverage, professional liability, products liability, contracts, and constitutional issues.

Robert earned his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1977, where he served as a note editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review. He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973 and completed postgraduate studies at Harris Manchester College, Oxford University. His education, judicial service, and years of appellate work provide a strong foundation for analyzing difficult legal questions and presenting complex arguments clearly.

Robert has represented corporations, government bodies, health systems, insurers, manufacturers, energy companies, and other clients in significant appeals and legal disputes. His matters include constitutional challenges, tax and exemption cases, pipeline and land use disputes, intellectual property claims, corporate governance issues, professional liability actions, and insurance coverage cases. He also advises major companies on commercial contracts, corporate compliance, internal investigations, ethics, export controls, political contributions, lobbying rules, and dispute resolution.

Robert L. Byer is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a life member of the American Law Institute. He has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and The Legal Intelligencer, which presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served on appellate rules committees, taught advanced civil procedure and judicial review, and authored works on Pennsylvania civil practice and appellate advocacy. Robert combines judicial perspective, extensive appellate experience, and practical judgment to help clients address complex legal issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Duane Morris LLP
• Chair,  Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Founding Member, Third Circuit Bar Association
• Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
• Member, American Law Institute
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Allegheny County Bar Association
• Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Life Fellow, Pennsylvania Bar Foundation
• Fellow, Allegheny County Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• University of Pittsburgh Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Pittsburgh
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges