#United States #Dallas #McKool Smith #Robert Manley #IATL

Celebrating Legal Excellence: Robert Manley Inducted into the IATL

In an illustrious ceremony held during the 2026 International Meeting in Paris and Cannes, Robert Manley, a principal at McKool Smith, has been welcomed into the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL). This exclusive fellowship is reserved for outstanding trial lawyers who demonstrate exceptional skills, professionalism, and integrity in their practice.

Founded in 1954, the IATL has maintained an active membership that is strictly limited to 500 trial lawyers from the United States and over 150 Fellows from 30 different nations. Membership is not easily attainable; it is extended only through an invitation process that involves rigorous peer and judicial assessments. This ensures that only the most qualified and distinguished lawyers are recognized and honored.

Robert’s professional journey is marked by over 33 years of accomplishments in trial law. His experience includes managing high-stakes, high-profile cases across the nation, leading to several verdicts on both the defense and plaintiff sides. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was previously inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2025, further solidifying his status among the legal elite.

One of Robert’s most noteworthy achievements is his role in the McKool Smith team that negotiated a landmark $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas against Meta Platforms/Facebook, a settlement that stands as the largest ever secured from a single state's legal action. This milestone was announced on July 30, 2024, reflecting Robert's exceptional capability in navigating complex legal landscapes.

His courtroom prowess has led him to success in numerous cases, ranging from securities fraud to fiduciary duty and investor fraud, and even high-profile commercial disputes. He has garnered recognition from renowned legal directories such as Lawdragon, Benchmark Litigation, and Chambers USA, which honors him as a Band 1 trial lawyer in Texas.

Beyond his courtroom achievements, Robert is dedicated to the development of future legal talent. He has served as the Program Director for the Dallas Trial Program under the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, contributing to the education and training of aspiring trial lawyers.

In his personal life, Robert resides in Dallas with his college sweetheart, Dana Bradford Manley. His educational background includes prestigious institutions such as the University of Tulsa, Southern Methodist University School of Law, the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, and the Pushkin Institute in Moscow, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

McKool Smith, where Robert has honed his skills, is recognized as one of America’s leading trial firms, boasting more than 130 trial lawyers across various offices, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Marshall, New York, and Washington, D.C. The firm has an impressive record with 18 nine-figure jury verdicts and 16 eight-figure jury verdicts, affirming its dominance in securing top-tier verdicts within the legal landscape.

As Robert Manley embarks on this new chapter with the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, he not only carries forward his legacy, but also upholds the values of excellence, professionalism, and integrity that this esteemed institution respects and promotes across the globe.

This induction not only highlights Robert’s exemplary legal career but also underlines the significant impact that seasoned trial lawyers have on the justice system. The recognition by the IATL marks a proud moment for Robert, McKool Smith, and the broader legal community, celebrating the dedication to justice and the mastery of the courtroom.