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Utah Business Attorney Robert Cummings

Robert B. Cummings

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Robert has extensive experience with government and internal investigations.  His securities practice has involved defending securities fraud and related claims under the federal ’33 and ’34 acts along with state blue skies laws.  He has represented clients in both federal and state courts.  He has also defended clients against criminal securities fraud claims, including defending a client to verdict.  Robert has defended directors and officers of companies against claims including breach of fiduciary duty claims.  Aside from litigation, Robert has advised companies with matters related to formation, governing documents, and proper governance.  Overall, he has advised clients at all stages of litigation in various matters, from pre-filing investigations, through trial, and up to and including appeals.

While in law school, Robert served an externship for the Honorable Johnnie B. Rawlinson of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Following graduation, he began his career at the internationally preeminent law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom where he represented Fortune 500 companies, investment banks, accounting firms, and other clients in defending and prosecuting a wide variety of claims.  He returned to Utah with his wife and family in 2013 and opened a law firm, prior to joining Snow Christensen & Martineau in 2019.

Education

  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 2009
  • M.S., University of Utah, 2006
  • B.A., Westminster College, 2004

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Utah State Bar
  • California State Bar
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Utah State Bar, Securities Section, 2019-present
  • Boy Scouts, Troop 38, Committee Chair, 2018- present
  • Wasatch Presbyterian Church, Member of Session, 2016-present
  • Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013–present
  • American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2011–present
  • American Bar Association, 2007–present
  • Recognized as Utah Legal Elite for Civil Litigation by Utah Business Magazine
  • Pro Bono Award Skadden, Arps, 2011 and 2012
  • St. Thomas More Award for Outstanding Work on the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics, 2009
  • Order of the Coif, Georgetown University Law Center, 2009
  • CALI – Land Use, Georgetown University Law Center, 2008
  • CALI – Products Liability, Georgetown University Law Center, 2008

In his spare time, Robert loves spending time with his wife, Rebekah, and three children (Aidan, Harper, and Ashton) exploring all that Utah has to offer, including hiking, skiing, and boating.

 

  • State v. Stirling, Fifth Judicial District Court.  Defended client in three-week jury trial resulting in not guilty verdict on two second degree felony counts related to alleged Medicaid fraud (Utah False Claims Act and Unlawful Pattern & Practice charges).
  • BJBDJC, Inc. v. Executive Hair Suppliers, Third Judicial District Court.  Bench trial resulting in favorable valuation of client’s minority shares in corporate judicial dissolution action.
  • State v. Buttars, Third Judicial District Court. Defended client against theft and securities fraud claims. Jury returned not guilty verdict on theft counts. Securities fraud counts reversed on appeal based upon suppression argument made by Robert in the trial court. See State v. Buttars, 2020 UT App 87.
  • Inouye v. Jenkins, Third Judicial District Court. Defended client against nuisance claims. Jury ruled in favor of defendant on plaintiff’s claims.
  • Grasteit’s Yard Care v. Ribeiro, Third Judicial District Court. Bench trial on small claims appeal. Judge found for plaintiff.

Appeals

  • Spencer v. Glover, 2017 UT App 69. Briefed and argued appeal of motion to dismiss granting dismissal of defamation claims in client’s favor. Court affirmed district court ruling dismissing all claims.