Campaign Phone
850-404-9795
Education
Law Degree (Juris Doctor - J.D.); Florida State University College of Law (2002); Undergraduate Bachelor of Science, Florida State University (1999)
Current Occupation
Attorney
Professional Experience
Admitted to the Bars of Florida, Georgia and Texas. Founder / Owner / Managing Partner of Churchill Law Group, PLLC (consumer /small business protection law practice); offices in Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Thomasville, Ga. (in business since 2006). Experience encompassing contractual liability, unfair debt collections, debt settlement negotiation, debt lawsuit defense, post-judgment garnishment, attachment, landlord-tenant relationships, housing disputes, bankruptcy protection, and consumer claims involving unfair or deceptive business practices. Previously vetted and nominated by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Second Judicial Circuit on four separate occasions, most recently in August, 2023. Served for 6 years on the Florida Small Claims Rules Committee. He has taught other attorneys and paralegals in Florida Bar- accredited CLEs (continuing legal education) in four separate courses on defending consumer collection matters and landlord-tenant law.
Community Involvement
Recipient of the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Legal Service Award for the Second Judicial Circuit in January 2020. This award recognizes lawyers “who have freely given their time and expertise in ensuring access to justice for those who otherwise could not afford it.” (Floridabar.org). He subsequently served on the Pro Bono Service Award Committee for the Second Judicial Circuit. Robert dedicates over 100 hours per year to pro bono consultation and representation, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the community. On-call attorney mentor for Florida Legal Aid volunteer attorneys, he provides guidance in collection, garnishment, and landlord-tenant/housing matters through Legal Services of North Florida. Robert is also involved in the community in non-legal matters. He served as a volunteer City of Tallahassee youth soccer coach (known there as “coach Rob”) for various ages (5-12 year-olds) for over 10 years, most recently in 2020.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556358334128
1. Fairness - This is easy to say, harder to do in practice, and fundamentally important.
2. Patience / Prudence - A good judge needs to listen more than talk, and shouldn't be eager to talk before all parties feel they have been heard.
3. Courtesy and attention to the parties - This is an easy thing for attorneys to forget: the process of coming to court is frightening and overwhelming for many people. I see this in my clients when they need reassurance. Its very easy for people to completely misunderstand what has happened in court because they are snowed under by the combination of court procedures and their own nerves. A judge has the ability to make the experience of court easier understand and to accept, regardless of the outcome.
I would use the tools available - including those that are generally underutilized - to facilitate the progression of cases, including calling attorneys to meet ordered scheduling parameters, applying court-ordered payment plans, and using court diversion programs to enable agreed and successful outcomes that don't need to come back to court.
Trials before a judge and jury, most recently in May, 2024 (jury) and February, 2024 (bench trial with the judge but no jury). These were in civil litigation (disputes over owed money), housing and eviction law, or consumer or small business representation in consumer matters. Recent trials involved (respectively) fraud, civil eviction, and malicious prosecution (case settled immediately prior to jury selection in December, 2023). Approximately 50 trials since opening my law practice in 2006. Additionally dozens of evidentiary hearings, which use the same rules of evidence as a trial but involve limited issues such as whether a judgment should be overturned or whether a bank account should be unfrozen.
I would not describe court / legal service access as adequate. I think such access is good, but not good enough. Leon County citizens have benefitted from innovative pro bono and "low bono" services, and the collaboration of private attorneys with legal service organizations to bring cost-effective representation to as many people as possible. I have volunteered with those organizations and represented clients in those collaborative agreements. There is still much to be done, and there remains a resource gap impacting our most vulnerable communities and citizens. The most effective way to meet the need is in resourcing ounces of prevention (to navigate around and avoid legal disputes) instead of pounds of cure.
Campaign Phone
850-745-4942
Education
B.S. Political Science and M.P.A. from Kennesaw State University, and J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law
Current Occupation
Litigation Attorney
Professional Experience
My legal experience encompasses various areas of law such as general governmental, civil torts, tourism, labor and employment, public libraries, risk management and claims liability, public safety and emergency management, contracts, bid protests, Florida’s Sunshine and Public Record Laws, ethics, constitutional and statutory interpretation, code enforcement, criminal and civil litigation. Over the years I have gained an extensive background in the types of matters that are heard in county court ranging from civil disputes, contract issues, violations of city/county ordinances, animal cases, to criminal misdemeanors. I am truly well rounded and fortunate to have been able to practice both criminal and civil law during my career.
Community Involvement
Throughout my legal career, I have also focused on providing service to the legal community and to the broader community in numerous ways. This includes volunteer speaking engagements, mentoring FSU law students, volunteering with various charitable organizations, and service to voluntary bar organizations. I was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court, and I am currently serving my second term on the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee. I am also an ordained pastor and I stay involved with the community through our outreach ministry. In addition, I work as a life coach assisting others with resiliency skills and overcoming adversity. I am a proud military veteran. I am also the 2023 recipient of the Rose Deeb Kitchen Award and was recognized in 2019 by the Tallahassee Democrat “25 Women You Need to Know.”
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553431380775
Instagram
@Riggans4Judge
Three personal traits that I would bring to the court are strong analytical skills, integrity, and empathy. I possess strong analytical skills, I can carefully consider and evaluate evidence, arguments, and legal principles. I can apply critical thinking and legal reasoning to make well informed decisions based on the law and facts of the case. I believe in the bedrock principles of justice and fairness in all decisions. I am committed to being impartial, fair, and unbiased in my decision making. I have a calm, patient, and respectful demeanor, and believe in treating all parties involved in a case with dignity, empathy, and respect.
I would identify and prioritize cases based on their urgency, complexity, and potential impacts. I would focus on resolving the highest priority cases first. I would set realistic timelines for cases and adhere to them to avoid delays and ensure timely resolution of cases.
I have tried cases in front of a judge and jury in the span of my career. I have tried both criminal and civil cases. The exact number is unknown. The most recent was approximately 2020.
I do not. Access can be affected by several factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. Those underlying issues must be addressed, such as education, employment opportunities, transportation and infrastructure, and raising awareness about resources that are available to individuals in need of legal assistance.
