Robert V. Potter, Jr.

For more than four decades, Bob Potter has provided trusted legal counsel to Florida businesses, entrepreneurs, and real property owners. Known for his analytical depth and steady judgment, Bob approaches each matter with the perspective of a strategist and the discipline instilled by his first employer — a well-known federal jurist. His clients rely on him for guidance grounded not in emotion or impulse, but for a clear understanding of how judges interpret and apply the law.

Since joining Johnson Pope in 1999, Bob has focused his practice on solving problems for long-standing clients who value his insight and practical approach. Many of these clients have worked with Bob for decades, relying on his ability to anticipate challenges, craft thoughtful solutions, and provide straightforward advice shaped by years of experience.

Before joining Johnson Pope, Bob served as general counsel to the Evenflo Division of Spalding & Evenflo Companies, overseeing complex litigation involving catastrophic injury claims throughout the United States and Canada. At Johnson Pope, he has concentrated on commercial litigation, business disputes, and real estate matters, representing closely held businesses and individuals in resolving sophisticated legal challenges.

Clients often describe Bob as personable, insightful, and remarkably creative in identifying solutions to unique problems. His ability to distill complicated issues into clear, actionable strategies continues to make him a trusted advisor to his long-term clients as he transitions toward retirement.

Representative Matters

• Complete Defense Win for Events Venue (11th Cir. 2024). Secured summary judgment in the bankruptcy court—and won affirmances in both the district court and Eleventh Circuit—on behalf of a Tampa special-events venue accused of breach of partnership, right of first refusal, self-help eviction, tortious interference, and fraudulent inducement. The Eleventh Circuit upheld the rulings on statute-of-frauds, competition-privilege, and representative-capacity grounds, preserving a full defense victory.
• Insurance Coverage and Policy Interpretation Dispute (M.D. Fla. 2022). Represented defendants in a declaratory judgment action brought by an insurer seeking to deny coverage under the “furnished or available for regular use” exclusion. Developed factual and legal arguments concerning ownership, regular-use exceptions, and policy construction that guided resolution of the case.
• National Product Liability Oversight. As general counsel to a major consumer products division, managed catastrophic infant and child injury litigation across the United States and Canada—coordinating trial strategy, expert witness development, and risk mitigation on a nationwide scale.
• Long-Term Counsel to Florida Businesses. Serves as trusted advisor to closely held companies and property owners throughout the state, helping them structure transactions, prevent disputes, and resolve complex legal challenges efficiently and privately.

Bar Admissions

• Florida
• United States District Courts (Middle District of Florida), 1983

• United States Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit), 1987

Education

• University of Florida, J.D., with honors, 1982

• Stetson University B.A., Business Administration, 1979

Awards & Recognition

• Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2020 – Present

Community & Professional Organizations

• Clearwater Bar Association
  • Member
• Florida Bar Association
  • Member
• Clearwater Jazz Festival

  • Pro Bono Legal Counsel

Outside the Office

Away from the office, Bob channels his curiosity and creativity into hands-on projects. A lifelong tinkerer, he built a replica 1965 Shelby Cobra from the ground up and can often be found fine-tuning it in his garage or taking it out for a spin on a sunny weekend. When he’s not under the hood, Bob enjoys losing himself in a good book, especially Pulitzer Prize-winning historical fiction that combines rich storytelling with lessons of human failure.

He is also a devoted supporter of the Clearwater Jazz Festival, where he never misses a chance to catch a live set. Whether restoring a classic car, reading about the past, or enjoying great music with friends, Bob brings the same patience, precision, and appreciation for craftsmanship that have defined his legal career.