Robert J. Porter
Robert Porter’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense, complex business litigation, and regulatory compliance.
Bobby represents individual and corporate clients in a variety of white-collar and complex matters, including fraud and economic crimes, public corruption, securities and banking offenses, healthcare fraud, tax matters, and money laundering. He also represents clients in complex business and commercial litigation matters, including shareholder disputes and breach of contract matters. He is experienced in all aspects of civil and criminal litigation and helps clients develop and implement effective litigation strategies to achieve successful outcomes. In addition to his litigation practice, Bobby regularly conducts internal investigations for corporate clients subject to state and federal investigations.
Bobby also provides compliance and legal advice to individuals and businesses in highly regulated industries. He has experience representing and advising clients in the cryptocurrency industry and helps them navigate the evolving legal and regulatory landscape. He has represented and advised clients in connection with Bitcoin-related legal disputes and assisted clients in complying with federal and state regulatory requirements involving Bitcoin transactions.
When not working, Bobby enjoys spending time with his family and friends on Cleveland’s west side. He is often outside playing fetch with his golden retriever, Wally, or rooting for his local Cleveland sports teams (Browns included).
- Education
- Cleveland State University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2019); Law Review Managing Editor; CALI® Awards: Legal Writing, Evidence, Corporate Compliance, Computers & Law (Cybercrime)
- Miami University (B.A., 2014)
- State Admissions
- Ohio, 2019
- Federal Admissions
- United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- Represented CEO of national payroll processing company in connection with federal criminal investigation involving a large-scale check kiting scheme
- Defended local public official in a multi-year federal public corruption investigation resulting in misdemeanor charges
- Represented and advised national Bitcoin ATM company in connection with federal and state regulatory compliance and legal disputes
- Represented business in grand jury investigation related to alleged PPP fraud involving cryptocurrency purchases on national exchange
- Represented majority shareholder of Bitcoin mining company in shareholder dispute involving breach of operating agreement
- Represented construction company in business dispute against former shareholders involving fraud and breach of shareholder agreement
- Conducted internal investigation of Ohio hospital system in connection with criminal investigation conducted by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
- Conducted internal investigation of aluminum extrusion plant in connection with federal criminal investigation regarding employee death
- Conducted internal investigation of national textile manufacturing company regarding employee theft
- Defended businessman in federal investigation involving international Ponzi investment scheme
- Represented healthcare company in connection with multiple federal investigations related to healthcare reimbursement fraud scheme
- Represent individuals in qui tam whistleblower actions involving False Claims Act allegations
- Defends state and local officials targeted by federal and state grand jury investigations for violations of conflict of interest, bribery, and public corruption offenses
- Defends organizations, officers, and directors targeted by state and federal grand jury investigations for bribery, fraud, money laundering, and RICO violations
Publications
- “Cybercrime: The Fallout, the Failsafe, and the Fix,” Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (November 2022)
- “The Government’s Crackdown on Crypto: When Virtual Currency Transactions are Deemed Taxable Events,” Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (November 2021)
- “Regulated Sports Betting: Ohio’s Chance to Take a Bet on Itself,” Cleveland State Law Review (2019)
Speaking Engagements
- “Corporate Lawyers Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Important in Corporate/Business Transactions from a Criminal/Civil Liability Perspective,” Tucker Ellis Business Law Institute (March 2024)
- “Criminal, Tax Controversy, and Regulatory Issues for the Estate Planning Professional,” Estate Planning Council of Cleveland (April 2021)
- Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars® (2024–2026)
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Leadership Academy (2023−2024)
- Federal Bar Association