Financial institutions and holding companies look to Robert to achieve their immediate and long-term business goals.
Overview
Robert represents commercial banks, thrifts, holding companies and other financial institutions in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, employee benefits and employee stock ownership (ESOP) matters. He also has experience advising clients on all aspects of obtaining new financial institution charters, including the regulatory application process, capital acquisition phase and early stage development, and continued representation following the bank opening.
When it comes to employee benefits, Robert is experienced in the design, implementation and administration of non-qualified retirement and compensation arrangements, including Code section 409A. He has also advised on ERISA matters, tax and corporate law requirements and the impact of M&A transactions on employee compensation.
Robert has assisted on numerous ESOP transactions for public and private companies to infuse equity, manage corporate succession and restructure corporate groups. Additionally, he has handled operating and administration matters ranging from distribution issues to Code section 409(p) analysis and resolution.
Experience
Represented the first de novo bank to file an application in the Dallas-Fort Worth market since 2008 with the filing of an application with the Texas Department of Banking and FDIC in December 2019.
Represented the acquirer in the first failed bank acquisition in Texas since 2013.
Represented a Texas credit union in a unique transaction in which the credit union sold substantially all of its assets to a Texas commercial bank followed by the credit union's voluntary liquidation.
Advised on strategic planning designed to enhance or protect shareholder value, including Subchapter S restructuring, share repurchases and tender offers, holding company formations, anti-takeover strategic planning and corporate succession matters.
Advised clients on the impact of M&A transaction on compensation matters, including non-compete and nonsolicitation provisions, golden parachute considerations and related employment matters.
Represented trustees and fiduciaries in ESOP transactions, and prepared and designed ESOP documents, including plan and trust documents.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
PacWest Bankers Association, Succession Planning, Seattle, WA, December 2019
PacWest Bankers Association, Opportunities for Raising Capital
Wisconsin Bankers Association, Succession Planning, Madison, WI, October 2019
CEO Affiliation Program, New York City, NY, April 2019
CEO Affiliation Program, Sarasota, FL, April 2019
CEO Affiliation Program, Phoenix, AZ, March 2019
CEO Affiliation Program, Vail, CO, February 2019
CEO Affiliation Program, Charleston, SC, October 2017
CEO Affiliation Program, Naples, FL, October 2017
CEO Affiliation Program, Pebble Beach, CA, September 2017
CEO Affiliation Program, Colorado Springs, CO, September 2017CEO Affiliation Program, Naples, FL, October 2017
Publications
Co-author, “Compensation Strategies in Connection with Bank Sales,” The Texas Independent Banker, May 2016
Co-author, “Why Your Bank Needs a Capital Plan,” Banking Exchange, April 2016
Co-author, “IT Agreements Are Not Just Forms,” The Wyoming Banker, September 2015
Co-author, “Small Business Lending Fund Update,” Colorado Banker, July 2011
Co-author, “Small Business Lending Fund: Points for Subchapter S Corporations to Consider,” ICBA’s Subchapter S: The Next Generation, June 2011
Co-author, “Business Lending Fund Update,” The Wyoming Banker, May 2011
“Packaging Incentives, Regulation Station,” Independent Banker, March 2011
“Regulators Issue Interagency Guidelines on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies,” The Arkansas Community Banker, Spring 2011
Co-author, “Updates: The Small Business Lending Program,” The Arkansas Community Banker, Winter 2011
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Texas
Education
Southern Methodist University, J.D., 2001
- Order of the Coif, cum laude
Texas A&M University, B.S., 1992
