Robert T. Dube
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Eckland & Blando LLP
Practice areas: Business Litigation, Government Contracts, Administrative Law; view more
Licensed in Minnesota since: 2020
Education: University of Minnesota Law School
Selected to Rising Stars: 2023 - 2026 
Free Consultation Eckland & Blando LLP
100 Washington Ave SSuite 1500
Minneapolis, MN 55401 Phone: 612-236-0160 Email: Robert T. Dube Visit website
Details 
Robert “Robby” Dube grew up working in his family’s small business and ranch, so he understands the needs of businesses and works tirelessly to advocate for them in a cost-effective manner. He is a zealous litigator, having briefed, argued, and won numerous motions before both state and federal courts across the country, including maritime and admiralty cases, and has won cases in every stage of the litigation process, including trial. Robby also has deep experience with the factoring industry and the customs industry, litigating for and advising clients across the country.
Robby is deeply experienced with pursuing claims against all levels of government, including bid protests, municipal litigation, challenging terminations for cause, drafting requests for equitable adjustments, and producing government contract compliance guides for businesses. He has engaged in significant Administrative Procedures Act challenges against states and the federal government at the district courts and Circuit courts, winning unanimous decisions.
Robby is a passionate election and constitutional law lawyer, having zealously and successfully represented citizens and citizen groups across the country wherever their government has tried to take away their rights to referendum, free speech, free association, and more. Recently, Robby has been involved in the fight against foreign ownership of crucial infrastructure projects, working to protect national security and the environment, and has testified to Congress on these issues.
Robby is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School where he teaches a deposition course, and is a coach for the University of St. Thomas Law School Mock Trial team.
Robby graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he served as Law Council President and as Executive Editor of the Minnesota Journal of International Law. He also served as the Head Writer for the law school musical group T.O.R.T. (Theatre of the Relatively Talentless) and led the Orientation Program as a Program Director. After graduating, Robby clerked for Hawai’i Supreme Court Associate Justice Richard Pollack.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Government Contracts, Administrative Law, Appellate, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Civil Litigation: Defense, Constitutional LawFirst Admitted: 2020, Minnesota
Professional Webpage: https://www.ecklandblando.com/attorney/robby-dube/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Minnesota State Bar Association - Member Minnesota State Bar Association, MSBA Assembly - Member
- Warren E. Burger Inn of Court, 2024
- Minnesota Law Alumni Association - Member
- National Contract Manager's Association (NCMA) - Twin Cities Chapter - President
- The Federalist Society - Minnesota Chapter - Member, President
- Federal Bar Association - Member; Committee Member on National Professional Development Committee
- American Bar Association - Member
- Hennepin County Bar Association, Member, Present
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Won a unanimous D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision overturning the District of D.C. on the basis that the National Marine Fisheries Service acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner in promulgating its 2021 Biological Opinion on the Northern Right Whale., 2023
- Obtained a successful trial verdict in the District of Massachusetts on an Administrative Procedures Act challenge to Fisheries Litigation, 2024
Representative Clients
- FK Construction Funding LLC - Represent a factoring company in litigation in state and federal courts around the country and in drafting factoring agreements and other financial documents. Includes a Minnesota Court of Appeals and New Jersey district court win establishing the validity of Estoppel Agreements in Minnesota and New Jersey; current litigation in the District of Massachusetts, Middle District of Louisiana, and Pennsylvania commonwealth courts.
- Concerned Citizens of Manteno - representing a citizens group bringing a nuisance and rezoning challenge to a large industrial lithium plant in small rural community.
- Green Charter Township - Represented Township in complex government contract dispute currently pending before the Sixth Circuit. , 2024
- Chemsol LLC - represented large importer in customs compliance and Uighyur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) compliance regime set up. , 2023
- CoreFund Capital LLC - represented factoring company in breach of non-solicitation agreement and in dispute before the NLRB., 2023
- Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite - Represented citizens group in challenging improper denial of their right to referendum; currently pending before the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Northpoint Logistics - Multimillion dollar logistics company that I provide corporate legal advice for, contract review, and government regulatory compliance., 2022
- Markel Insurance - a large national insurance company that I represent in various maritime disputes.
- Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association - Trade association that I have represented in various litigations in the District of Massachusetts; District of D.C., and D.C. Circuit., 2022
- People for the Vote - A citizen's collective challenging a municipal denial of an election petition, brought writ of mandamus on their behalf on various North Dakota state constitutional issues, currently on appeal to North Dakota Supreme Court., 2022
- Questar - Large corporate client providing education services around the country. Provided corporate and transaction advice, and represented in multimillion dollar litigation.
Transactions
- Fulton Analytics - Represented company in multi-million dollar buyout of equity partner's membership interest, 2024
- Quiet Light Brokerage - Represented company in multi-million dollar buyout of equity partner's membership interest., 2023
Pro bono / Community Service
- Helped a senior citizen pro bono plaintiff lodge an appeal with the Federal Circuit regarding an improperly dismissed case from the District of Minnesota., 2023
- I represented Michelle Smith, an African-American woman, in a discrimination suit in the District of Minnesota, successfully defeating a motion to dismiss, and arguing summary judgment, which is still pending.
- Minneapolis Ethical Practices Board - Vice Chair. I served as Vice-Chair for the Minneapolis Ethical Practices Board, adjudicating ethics disputes and violations for city employees., 2022
Educational Background
- University of Texas @ Dallas, Richardson, Texas B.A. Honors: Dean’s List Major: Historical Studies and Political Science, 2016
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Discussing key concepts surrounding estoppel agreements and their impact on the Factoring industry, including what they are, the reasons why Factors should use them in their transactions, the right time to do so, and what can cause them to fail. , Speaker, Estoppel Agreements – Best Practices and Pitfalls, The International Factoring Association, Factoring, 2024
- Navigating the appellate process effectively requires a comprehensive understanding ofappellate court structure and procedures. In this session, we will break down the components of a persuasive appellate brief and provide practical guidance on oral arguments. Attorneys will learn how to craft arguments that resonate with appellate judges and enhance their chances of success. Techniques for presenting compelling arguments in front of an appellate panel will also be covered, with particular attention to how to manage complex legal issues that arise during appeals. This session will equip participants with actionable tips for improving their appellate advocacy and achieving favorable outcomes in appeals., Speaker, Effective Appellate Advocacy, The Federal Bar Association, Lawyers, 2025
- I discussed the history of judicial deference in regulatory interpretation ending in Loper Bright, and then explored how that decision will impact government contracts and government contracting regulations. , Speaker, The Impact of Loper Bright on Government Contracting, The Federal Bar Association, Lawyers, Government Contractors, 2024
- Presented to law students on best practices and tips for balancing an effective practice with physical and mental health. , Speaker, How to Maintain Well-Being in Practice, University of Minnesota Law School, Lawyers, 2024
- Providing a detailed explanation of Administrative Law leading up to Loper Bright, explaining Loper Bright, and forecasting the possible impacts from the Loper Bright decision. , Speaker, Brighter Days Ahead or a Coming Storm? The Impact on the World of Government Contracts of the Overruling of Chevron by the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright Decision, The 63rd Annual Seminar on Government Contracts, Government Contractors, Business, 2023
- Session I – Litigation Hotspots: Navigating and drafting the 5 most contentious contract terms – Robert Dube Whether from poor drafting, conflicting case law, or simply the amounts in dispute, certain key contract terms are the subject of endless litigation. This session will discuss the 5 main contract terms (and a few other honorable mentions) that are most litigated, what can be done at the drafting stage to reduce the risk of litigation, and some key case law or statutory/regulatory developments that have affected breach of contract disputes recently.Key topics to be discussed:Key contracts terms litigated: (1) Indemnification/Limitation of liability, (2) Termination, (3) Intellectual Property, (4) Choice of Law/Arbitration/Litigation, (5) Integration/Merger Clauses Honorable mentions: Non-competes/Non-solicitations, NDAs, Force Majeure Drafting errors that increase the risk of litigation Key case law, statutes, and regulatory developments, Speaker, The Most Litigated Terms in Business Agreements, The Federal Bar Association, Lawyers, 2024
- This session provides a comprehensive overview of appellate court structure and procedure, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the appellate process effectively. Attendees will learn how to craft persuasive appellate briefs and develop oral argument techniques to effectively present their case before the court. Additionally, practical tips for appellate practice will be shared, ensuring participants are well-prepared to handle appeals with confidence and skill.Key topics to be discussed:Understanding appellate court structure and procedure Crafting a persuasive appellate brief Oral argument techniques Practical tips for appellate practice, Speaker, Effective Appellate Advocacy, The Federal Bar Association, Lawyers, 2024
- A detailed primer on recent legal updates to Non-Competes, Non-Solicitation, and the Corporate Transparency Act with a special focus on how it affects the factoring industry. , Author, Non-Competes, Non-Solicitations, and the Corporate Transparency Act, The International Factoring Association Magazine, Factoring, 2024
- The Corporate Transparency Act imposes significant new reporting obligations on corporate entities based on a stated goal of cracking down on money laundering and drug cartels. This presentation will explain the reporting obligations, exceptions to the same, and the penalties for failure to comply. Further, there will be a short exploration of how this could affect litigation going forward.Key TopicsSpecific details that have to be reported Elements that qualify or disqualify a business from having to report Penalties for failure to report How it could affect determinations of diversity jurisdiction in civil litigation going forward, Speaker, The Corporate Transparency Act, Federal Bar Association, 2024
- co-presented a lecture with the following description: Pursuing government contracting may not be the right decision for every business. But the opportunities can be significant. Is the business willing to learn and follow the rules relating to acquisitions? Is it willing to do ongoing, detailed research to find procurement opportunities and take the time to prepare and present offers? Can the business financially support the performance of a government contract that may involve significant start-up costs? Is the business willing to be a subcontractor to companies that are prime contractors? What are some tips for marketing the business to government purchasers? This session will explore these questions and more! , Co-Presenter, Doing Business with the Government – Opportunities and Pitfalls, Minnesota CLE, 2023
- Small business owners doing work with the U.S. Government might assume that something like an international arms control regime would not apply to them, but this assumption could leave them open to considerable risk. In this session, Mr. Dube will teach the basics of the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") - what it is, what types of business it can apply to, and what the penalties can be for violating it. His presentation also will guide businesses through basic steps that can be taken to ensure they meet their obligations under ITAR, including developing an internal compliance program. A brief discussion of the most recent developments regarding cloud computing and the impacts of rising tensions with China and Russia also will be included. Finally, Mr. Dube will demonstrate for businesses what to do if they have, or believe that they may have, violated ITAR. , Presenter, I Came, ITAR, I Conquered, 62nd Annual National Seminar on Government Contract, Government Contractors, Business, 2023
- I co-presented a lecture with the following description: Pursuing government contracting may not be the right decision for every business. But the opportunities can be significant. Is the business willing to learn and follow the rules relating to acquisitions? Is it willing to do ongoing, detailed research to find procurement opportunities and take the time to prepare and present offers? Can the business financially support the performance of a government contract that may involve significant start-up costs? Is the business willing to be a subcontractor to companies that are prime contractors? What are some tips for marketing the business to government purchasers? This session will explore these questions and more! , Co-Presenter, Doing Business with the Government- Opportunities and Pitfalls, Minnesota CLE, Government Contractors, Business, 2022
- Now fully updated, this useful, single-volume resource contains a summary of purchasing laws and processes for all 50 States. Each chapter is written by individuals knowledgeable in each state's' laws and processes, and includes: -A listing of purchasing laws and regulations -Descriptions of purchasing methods -An explanation of: oBid protest procedures oContract claims processes, and oAdministrative and judicial review Those involved in state procurement -- government officials, contract administrators, attorneys, and contractors -- will find the information in this Guide to be invaluable., Co-Author, Guide to State Procurement: A 50-State Primer on Purchasing Laws, Processes, and Procedures, Third Edition, Government Contractors, Business, 2022
- I gave a virtual seminar on ITAR regulations with the following description: Small business owners doing work with the U.S. Government might assume that something like an international arms control regime wouldn’t apply to them, but this assumption could leave them open to considerable risk. This presentation will teach the basics of the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (what it is, what types of business it can apply too, and what the penalties can be for violating it). It will also guide businesses through basic steps that can be taken to ensure they meet their obligations under ITAR, including developing an internal compliance program. Finally, the presentation will show businesses what to do if they have or think they have violated ITAR., Speaker, I Came, ITAR, I Conquered – The Crucial Information Military Contractors Need to Know About the Rules of Exporting Arms, PTAC, Government Contractors, 2021
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Most Outstanding Contribution to Class of 2019., 2019
Honors
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Supers Lawyers, 2023
- Recognized for providing over 50 pro bono hours in the 2021 year., North Star Lawyer, Minnesota Lawyer
Office location for Robert T. Dube
100 Washington Ave S
Suite 1500
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Selections
4 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2023 - 2026