Robert Manley's Induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers Signifies Excellence in Legal Expertise
In a remarkable recognition of legal excellence, Robert Manley, currently a Principal at McKool Smith, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), one of the most esteemed legal associations in North America. The induction ceremony, held during the College's Spring Meeting in Maui, Hawaii, from March 6-9, 2025, brought together some of the finest legal minds to celebrate this prestigious moment.
Founded in 1950, the ACTL boasts a membership comprising the most skilled trial lawyers from the United States and Canada. The fellowship is granted on an invitation-only basis, following rigorous evaluation aimed at identifying attorneys who have demonstrated unparalleled advocacy skills and adhered to the highest ethical standards throughout their careers. A minimum of fifteen years of trial experience is required for consideration, making it a rare honor reserved for a select few.
Robert Manley brings an impressive 32 years of experience in handling high-stakes, high-profile cases nationwide. His courtroom prowess is underscored by his record of delivering impressive verdicts for both defense and plaintiff cases. Among his notable accomplishments is playing a crucial role in leading the McKool Smith team that achieved a staggering $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas against Meta Platforms (Facebook). Announced on July 30, 2024, this settlement stands as the largest ever secured from a lawsuit initiated by a single state, further solidifying Robert's reputation as a leading trial lawyer.
His legal career is diverse, encompassing a wide array of case types, including securities fraud, fiduciary duty breaches, and insurance coverage disputes. One particularly prominent case during his career involved serving as the lead trial lawyer in a will contest that gained national attention, being featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal.
Not only has Robert excelled in his legal battles, but he has also dedicated a significant portion of his career to training future generations of trial lawyers. As the Program Director for the Dallas Trial Program at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, he invests his time and expertise in nurturing the next wave of legal talent, ensuring that the rigorous standards of advocacy remain upheld.
Robert is firmly rooted in Dallas, where he shares his life with his college sweetheart, Dana Bradford Manley. He is an alumnus of the University of Tulsa, SMU Law School, the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, and the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. His commitment to legal excellence is reflected not only in his career but also in his educational background.
McKool Smith has built a robust reputation as one of America’s leading trial firms. Home to several ACTL fellows, including Principals Lewis LeClair, Jennifer Truelove, Chad Hummel, and Sam Baxter, the firm’s team delivers unparalleled courtroom experience that shapes their approach to case strategy, trial preparation, and resolution. With a workforce of over 130 trial lawyers spread across offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Marshall, New York, and Washington, D.C., McKool Smith has secured 18 nine-figure jury verdicts and 16 eight-figure jury verdicts, achieving more top-tier honors than any other law firm as recognized by VerdictSearch and The National Law Journal. These successes have not only earned the respect of peers in the legal field but have also established McKool Smith as one of the most significant law firm success stories in recent history, as noted by The Wall Street Journal.
The firm’s legal repertoire includes complex commercial litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, insurance recovery, and white-collar defense matters, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of various legal landscapes. With Robert's induction into the ACTL, McKool Smith continues its tradition of fostering excellence amongst its attorneys, promising further achievements and recognition in the field of law.
Founded in 1950, the ACTL boasts a membership comprising the most skilled trial lawyers from the United States and Canada. The fellowship is granted on an invitation-only basis, following rigorous evaluation aimed at identifying attorneys who have demonstrated unparalleled advocacy skills and adhered to the highest ethical standards throughout their careers. A minimum of fifteen years of trial experience is required for consideration, making it a rare honor reserved for a select few.
Robert Manley brings an impressive 32 years of experience in handling high-stakes, high-profile cases nationwide. His courtroom prowess is underscored by his record of delivering impressive verdicts for both defense and plaintiff cases. Among his notable accomplishments is playing a crucial role in leading the McKool Smith team that achieved a staggering $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas against Meta Platforms (Facebook). Announced on July 30, 2024, this settlement stands as the largest ever secured from a lawsuit initiated by a single state, further solidifying Robert's reputation as a leading trial lawyer.
His legal career is diverse, encompassing a wide array of case types, including securities fraud, fiduciary duty breaches, and insurance coverage disputes. One particularly prominent case during his career involved serving as the lead trial lawyer in a will contest that gained national attention, being featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal.
Not only has Robert excelled in his legal battles, but he has also dedicated a significant portion of his career to training future generations of trial lawyers. As the Program Director for the Dallas Trial Program at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, he invests his time and expertise in nurturing the next wave of legal talent, ensuring that the rigorous standards of advocacy remain upheld.
Robert is firmly rooted in Dallas, where he shares his life with his college sweetheart, Dana Bradford Manley. He is an alumnus of the University of Tulsa, SMU Law School, the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, and the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. His commitment to legal excellence is reflected not only in his career but also in his educational background.
McKool Smith has built a robust reputation as one of America’s leading trial firms. Home to several ACTL fellows, including Principals Lewis LeClair, Jennifer Truelove, Chad Hummel, and Sam Baxter, the firm’s team delivers unparalleled courtroom experience that shapes their approach to case strategy, trial preparation, and resolution. With a workforce of over 130 trial lawyers spread across offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Marshall, New York, and Washington, D.C., McKool Smith has secured 18 nine-figure jury verdicts and 16 eight-figure jury verdicts, achieving more top-tier honors than any other law firm as recognized by VerdictSearch and The National Law Journal. These successes have not only earned the respect of peers in the legal field but have also established McKool Smith as one of the most significant law firm success stories in recent history, as noted by The Wall Street Journal.
The firm’s legal repertoire includes complex commercial litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, insurance recovery, and white-collar defense matters, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of various legal landscapes. With Robert's induction into the ACTL, McKool Smith continues its tradition of fostering excellence amongst its attorneys, promising further achievements and recognition in the field of law.
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