Robert G. Schaffer

Top rated Appellate attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

Holden Willits PLC
Robert G. Schaffer
Holden Willits PLC

Practice Areas: Appellate, Business Litigation, Antitrust Litigation; view more

Licensed in Arizona since: 1997

Education: Duke University School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2025

Holden Willits PLC

2 North Central Ave
Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85004 Visit website

Details

Robert G. Schaffer is a highly experienced trial lawyer and appellate advocate with a robust career spanning over two decades. A founding partner of Holden Willits PLC, based in Phoenix, Arizona, he is committed to his practice in the areas of complex business, real estate and corporate/partnership/LLC disputes, alongside civil appeals. His broad practice areas include contract and lease disputes, constitutional issues, RICO cases, fraud, employment contracts and more.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Schaffer served as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. His foundational legal training was completed at Duke University School of Law, where he graduated in 1996, and The University of Kansas, where he earned his undergraduate degree in English.

A former clerk for the United States Supreme Court, Mr. Schaffer has excelled in presenting persuasive arguments in both routine and high-stakes litigation across trial and appellate courts. His recognition as a "Local Litigation Star" in Arizona by Benchmark Litigation and his consistent listing in The Best Lawyers in America for appellate practice, commercial litigation and antitrust law from 2012 to 2020 underscore his proficiency in the legal field.

Mr. Schaffer’s ability to simplify and effectively communicate complex legal issues to judges and juries is particularly noted, as is his practical judgment in guiding clients through the uncertainties of litigation. His strategic approaches not only aim to prevail in court but also to streamline disputes efficiently.

In 2019, Mr. Schaffer joined Holden Willits PLC, where he continues to offer high-quality representation. His approach combines the thoroughness expected in larger law firms with a more personal and efficient client experience. In his commercial trial practice, he has taken the lead in numerous significant commercial cases, representing a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations to local businesses and individuals. 

Mr. Schaffer has also made substantial contributions in the realm of antitrust and trade regulation, often advising on litigation risk and preventive strategies. His appellate practice is equally notable, with numerous arguments in the Arizona and California appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. His excellence in the legal profession is reflected in numerous awards and recognitions, including his AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. He is often sought after to assist and advise other lawyers during trials and post-trial proceedings to ensure robust argument presentation for potential appeals. 

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

Practice areas

Appellate, Business Litigation, Antitrust Litigation, Constitutional Law, Construction Litigation: Business

Focus areas

Antitrust & Trade Litigation, Appeals, Construction Defects, Non-Compete Agreements, Trade Secret

  • 20% Appellate
  • 50% Business Litigation
  • 10% Antitrust Litigation
  • 10% Constitutional Law
  • 10% Construction Litigation: Business

First Admitted: 1997, Arizona

Professional Webpage: https://www.holdenwillits.com/attorneys/robert-g-schaffer/

Pro bono/Community Service:
  • Represented Albanian immigrant whose family was persecuted for their pro-democracy views. Obtained writ of habeas corpus, release of client from administrative detention, and recovery of attorneys’ fees after government’s litigation position was found not substantially justified.  Continued representation of client in removal proceedings.Represented Vietnamese immigrant in removal proceedings.  Filed action for writ of habeas corpus and obtained voluntary release of client from detention.  Obtain permanent waiver of removal in removal proceedings.Represented indigent mother of five in successful efforts to assert community interest in ex-husband separate property (family home).Regular representation of indigent clients through Volunteer Lawyer Program of Community Legal Services.Community of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Pastoral Council Member
Honors/Awards:
  • Law Clerk to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, United States Supreme Court, 1999
  • Mr. Schaffer has an “AV/Preeminent Attorney” rating with Martindale-Hubbell.  He is also listed in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®, by Woodward/White, Aiken, S.C. in the categories of Antitrust Law and Antitrust Litigation, and in "Top Lawyers in Arizona 2008" in Arizona Business Magazine in the category of Antitrust Law.
Educational Background:
  • University of Kansas, B.A. English and Political Science, 1993

Office location for Robert G. Schaffer

2 North Central Ave
Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: 602-508-6229

Selections

14 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2025

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