Robert Sickles devotes his practice to litigation in Florida’s state and federal courts. He represents builders and developers in construction disputes; privately owned businesses in commercial disputes; and national banks and finance companies in complex litigation matters.

In addition, Mr. Sickles has substantial experience representing clients in all aspects of the automotive industry. He has served as counsel for more than 100 licensed motor vehicle dealerships throughout Florida, ranging from large publicly traded corporations to small, closely held family dealerships. He also represents finance companies and lenders affiliated with the automotive industry.

Mr. Sickles has represented national banks and other lenders in numerous state court actions, including disputes relating to escrow practices of mortgage lenders, unfair lending practices and priority of lien issues.

As part of his diverse practice, Mr. Sickles has defended multiple class actions and litigated insurance coverage disputes. He also has defended claims arising under the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; its Florida equivalent, the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act; the Federal Truth in Lending Act; Florida's Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act; and Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Mr. Sickles joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in May 2009 after nine years at Broad and Cassel, where he was a co-chair of the firm’s automotive industry team. He began his legal career in 1998 as an associate at Day, Ketterer, Railey, Wright and Rybolt, in Canton, Ohio. In 1999 he became an associate at Burton and Geitner, which merged into Broad and Cassel in 2000.

Mr. Sickles is a member of The Florida Bar and the National Association of Dealer Counsel. He acts as outside general counsel to the Florida Independent Auto Dealers Association.

In 2011, Florida Super Lawyers magazine named Mr. Sickles to its Rising Stars list (the top 2.5% of young lawyers in Florida). He has authored a number of articles on various dealership issues and is a frequent speaker at auto industry events. His presentations include:

• “What’s Happening Federally that Impacts You in Florida,” and “Legal Panel: What You Don’t Know,” FIADA 20th Annual Convention & Expo, Kissimmee, Florida, October 2011.
• “Legal Panel – Ask the Experts,” Leedom Group 17th Annual Buy Here-Pay Here National Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 2011.
• “Sidestepping Legal Landmines: Your Retail Legal Questions Get Answered,” 2010 Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association (FIADA) annual convention, St. Pete Beach, Florida, October 2010.
• “Collecting Every Dollar Possible – And Then Some!” National Independent Auto Dealers’ Association Annual Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2010.

Mr. Sickles is involved with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, serving as a member of its board of directors, a member of its finance and executive committees, and chair of its TransCare Division.

He is a graduate of the Leadership Tampa Class of 2008, and an alumni member since that time. Mr. Sickles volunteers as a youth sports coach at the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA.