Robert W. Stanko
Since completing a clerkship with the Honorable Thomas G. Saylor, former Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Rob has spent the entirety of his career in civil litigation. He has counseled companies and professionals across a range of industries, including consumer and commercial product manufacturers, construction, hospitality, insurance, and governmental transportation and maritime agencies. Rob works closely with his clients to help them identify cost-effective ways in which to protect their interests, manage risk and eliminate exposure.
Rob has handled matters in every stage of litigation—from emergency response to trial and all the way through appeal. He has successfully defended against tort and breach-of-contract claims, designed and executed strategies to enforce indemnification and additional-insured contract provisions. Rob understands the importance of developing objectives specific to the environments in which his clients’ operate, both domestic and abroad. His representative matters include cases arising from incidents in Mexico, Greece, and Vietnam, among several other countries.
In each case he handles, Rob is responsible for identifying and implementing litigation strategies to accommodate the particular intricacies of the underlying facts. He has thrived in this role, obtaining several summary judgments and successfully defending numerous matters at arbitration and trial. Rob’s constant attention to detail and investigative skill have proven invaluable in reducing his clients’ exposure and securing favorable resolutions.
Rob is the former Chairman of the Editorial Board of Young Lawyer, a publication of The Legal Intelligencer, the oldest daily legal newspaper in the United States. He also advises law students from Dickinson Law and Villanova Law through his participation in mentor and mock interview programs.
Representative Matters
- Served as co-counsel in successful defense of luxury hotel operator in an eleven-day jury trial in a complex case involving security.
- Served as co-counsel in securing a defense verdict on behalf of a commercial food product manufacturer in a case involving a partial hand-amputation.
- Served as co-counsel in securing a defense verdict on behalf of a nationally recognized non-profit Organization in a claim involving commercial transportation.
- Served as co-counsel in securing a defense verdict on behalf of a transit authority in a case involving claims of permanent disability as a result of live trolley wires striking the plaintiff’s vehicle.
- Obtained dismissal of action against international hotel operator on jurisdictional grounds in case involving significant personal injuries.
- Obtained favorable resolution on behalf of international hotel operator in a case involving significant injuries to unaccompanied minor overseas.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of medical device manufacturer in matter involving a fatality of a clinical trial participant.
- Drafted successful motion to dismiss an international tour operator in a complex death case sounding in maritime and admiralty law.
- Obtained multiple summary judgments on behalf of nationally recognized businesses within the Philadelphia area involving premises liability matters.
Professional Associations
- Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
Recognition & Accomplishments
- “Rising Star,” Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2014-2023)
Community Activities
- Member, Villanova Alumni Association
- Member, Penn State Alumni Association
- Chairman, Editorial Board of Young Lawyers, The Legal Intelligencer (2011-2021)