Robert W. Stanko
Rob is a trial attorney who concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation, ranging from commercial disputes to defending against catastrophic personal injury claims. He has counseled companies and professionals across a variety of industries, including consumer and commercial product manufacturers, construction, hospitality, insurance, and governmental transportation and maritime agencies. He is regularly called upon by sophisticated clients to handle all phases of complex litigation.
In this role, Rob understands the importance of developing objectives specific to the environments and industries in which his clients operate, and helps to identify practical and effective ways in which to protect their interests, manage risk, and eliminate exposure. His constant attention to detail and strategic thinking have proven invaluable in securing favorable resolutions in both state and federal courts.
Rob is the embodiment of the “big firm experience, small firm attention” mentality. Before joining Kleinbard, and after completing a clerkship with the Honorable Thomas G. Saylor, former Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Rob spent over a decade as a partner with a large regional defense firm, where he honed his trial skills and learned to navigate the complexities of high-stakes litigation.
Representative Matters
- Advised corporate clients, insurers, and national businesses on risk management, pre-litigation strategy, and contractual exposure, including indemnity, insurance coverage, and risk transfer considerations.
- Represented clients in complex commercial disputes involving breach of contract, payment and performance issues, and claims under Pennsylvania’s Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (CASPA), as well as related statutory and common law business claims.
- Served as trial co-counsel in an eleven-day jury trial securing a defense verdict for a luxury hotel operator in a high-exposure matter involving security operations and third-party risk.
- Served as trial co-counsel in multiple defense verdicts on behalf of national and international companies, including a commercial food product manufacturer, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, and a regional transit authority, in complex, high-stakes litigation.
- Obtained dismissal of claims against an international hotel operator on jurisdictional grounds, eliminating exposure in a multi-party litigation.
- Achieved favorable resolution for an international hospitality client in a high-risk matter involving overseas operations and duty-of-care issues.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of a medical device manufacturer in litigation arising from a clinical trial, avoiding protracted discovery and expert-intensive proceedings.
- Secured dismissal of an international tour operator in a complex matter involving maritime and admiralty principles.
- Obtained summary judgment and other dispositive rulings on behalf of regional and national businesses, efficiently resolving litigation involving operational and premises-related claims.
- Regularly coordinate with in-house counsel and business stakeholders to align litigation strategy with broader commercial objectives and risk tolerance.
Professional Associations
- Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
Recognition & Accomplishments
- Best Lawyers in America (2024-2027)
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2025-2027)
- “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)