rwright@coffeyburlington.com

Bob Wright joined the firm January 1, 2007, when the firm of Coffey & Wright, LLP merged into it. Mr. Wright has practiced law in Florida since 1974 in both state and federal trial and appellate courts, handling complex business litigation, including class and multi-district litigation. He also has extensive experience with administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. Mr. Wright acted as lead trial counsel for the successful bidder in a $3.1 billion hostile tender offer battle for a Florida insurance corporation. He has represented numerous Fortune 500 corporations in business tort cases, including particularly class actions grounded in discrimination or securities fraud. Mr. Wright has defended financial institutions in more than 125 cases involving "lender liability" claims: in every such case, class action status was denied and no judgment was ever entered against a financial institution that he defended.

With respect to agency matters, Mr. Wright has represented a number of large out of state corporations being investigated by the Florida Attorney General's office. He has also represented Florida regulators in connection with suits arising out of the failure of insurance companies, and has represented insurance companies seeking to obtain or renew their certificates to do business in Florida.

In a sports context, Mr. Wright represented The Big East, Pitt, UWVa, Rutgers and UConn in the litigation filed by the University of Miami relating to its switch to the ACC. He has represented a number of individual athletes, including a reigning heavyweight champion, in various matters including a case involving the disappearance of three world championship belts.

Mr. Wright has also defended numerous California and foreign wine makers and vintners' organizations in suits in both state and federal court arising out of the direct shipping of wine and alcoholic beverages into Florida. He co-authored an article entitled "Free Commerce In Wine: Trapped In A Legal Web."

Education
Columbia University School of Law, 1974
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA 1968

Professional/Civic Affiliations
The Florida Bar, Miami-Dade County Bar, American Bar Association
Admitted to Practice before the 11th, 5th, 3rd and 2nd Circuit Courts of Appeal and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida

Personal
Army Officer, 1968 to 1971
Golf, Rugby, and African Cichlids