Lawrence Robbins was known as one of the sharpest and most skilled litigators in the country. With a career spanning decades, Robbins became a fixture in some of the highest-profile cases in the United States. He argued 20 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, appeared countless times in appellate courts, and co-founded the litigation boutique Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck & Untereiner. Robbins was not only respected for his legal expertise but also for his compassion and his dedication to the law.
However, Robbins’ story doesn’t end in the courtroom. Just weeks before his death on November 2, 2024, at the age of 72, Robbins achieved something extraordinary—a milestone that many people, especially those who are passionate about both law and literature, dream of: he published his first novel.
The novel, titled The President’s Lawyer, is a high-stakes legal thriller that has garnered praise from prominent outlets, including The New York Times Book Review and People magazine. The story blends Robbins’ sharp legal insights with his decades of experience in politically charged and high-pressure legal matters. It’s a remarkable capstone to a career that included not only top-tier legal work but also a personal dream fulfilled late in life.
Robbins’ journey to becoming an author is as inspiring as it is unique. His story not only touches on his professional legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Here’s how Robbins went from being a top litigator to a published author.
A Legacy of Legal Excellence
Robbins’ career as a litigator is nothing short of remarkable. Before co-founding his own firm, Robbins worked as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York. He then served as an assistant to the solicitor general before becoming one of the most sought-after appellate advocates in the country. His most high-profile legal work involved representing clients in the U.S. Supreme Court, where he earned a reputation for his sharp legal mind and his ability to handle complex, high-pressure cases.
One of Robbins’ defining characteristics as a lawyer was his ability to work on politically sensitive cases, often taking on pro bono clients in matters that would later become headlines. He famously represented Christine Blasey Ford during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, offering legal advice during one of the most contentious periods in U.S. judicial history. He also represented former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch during the House Impeachment Committee proceedings in 2019.
These cases showcased Robbins’ legal expertise, his passion for justice, and his ability to navigate some of the most politically charged situations in modern American history. But Robbins wasn’t just a lawyer; he was also a teacher. Colleagues often described him as an extraordinary mentor and an advocate who cared deeply about his clients and his craft.
Despite his legal accomplishments, Robbins was always looking for ways to push his own boundaries. While many lawyers may harbor dreams of writing books or sharing their stories, Robbins’ dream of becoming a novelist was something he worked toward for years.
A Dream Put Into Action
Many lawyers dream of writing novels, but few ever achieve that goal. Robbins, however, was determined to turn his dream into a reality. He had been thinking about writing a novel for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that he found the time to sit down and actually write.
“During the pandemic, I had the time to finally sit down and focus on writing,” Robbins’ literary agent, Lane Zachary, explained in an interview. It was a moment of clarity and focus in the midst of a global crisis, and Robbins, who had already achieved so much in his legal career, was ready to tackle a new challenge.
Robbins’ novel, The President’s Lawyer, was published by Simon & Schuster on October 8, 2024. The legal thriller combines Robbins’ deep understanding of the law with his literary talent. It’s a story of high-stakes legal drama, where the central character, a former U.S. president, is accused of murdering his mistress—a young lawyer in the White House Counsel’s office. The novel explores the intricacies of the legal world, offering readers a fictional yet grounded insight into the practice of law.
While the plot of The President’s Lawyer is dramatic and at times implausible, Robbins’ legal expertise is evident in every page. The novel’s sharp legal insights, particularly into the art of trial law, show why Robbins was such a sought-after litigator. The courtroom scenes in the novel are not only gripping but also reflect the strategies Robbins used in real life when representing clients in high-profile cases.
A Tribute to the Law and a Legacy of Mentorship
Robbins’ novel is more than just a work of fiction. It’s a tribute to his passion for the law, a subject he loved dearly. Through the novel, Robbins was able to share his deep understanding of legal strategy and the intricacies of courtroom drama. Many of the techniques and insights in the novel are drawn directly from Robbins’ experiences as an appellate lawyer.
For example, the novel’s narrator, fictional attorney Rob Jacobson, offers valuable advice on how to handle a trial. One piece of advice he shares is the importance of listening during the initial stages of a trial. As the narrator explains, defense counsel’s job isn’t just to argue but to listen carefully to what prosecutors say. By doing so, they can uncover valuable information that could help the defense.
Another key piece of advice that Robbins’ novel shares is the importance of choosing the right jury. In one memorable scene, Jacobson’s mentor advises him to look for jurors who are “disagreeable.” While most lawyers might shy away from jurors who seem difficult, Robbins understood that such individuals are often the ones who can hold out and prevent a hasty, unanimous verdict. “I’ll happily take a hung jury over a conviction,” the mentor says in the novel. This advice, grounded in Robbins’ real-world experiences, offers a window into how he approached legal strategy.
Robbins was not just an exceptional lawyer but also a mentor to many. His colleagues often spoke of his generosity in sharing his knowledge and insights. “He wasn’t just an incredibly smart and skilled lawyer; he was compassionate and understanding,” said David Safavian, one of Robbins’ clients. Safavian, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020 after Robbins successfully defended him, praised Robbins for his dedication to his clients, as well as his ability to find creative solutions to complex legal issues.
Kannon Shanmugam, a top Supreme Court litigator, also highlighted Robbins’ influence in shaping the modern appellate bar. Robbins played a crucial role in the creation of a specialized appellate bar, both as a partner at Mayer Brown and later at Robbins Russell, where he helped establish the firm’s reputation for handling high-profile appellate work.
The Art of Cross-Examination
One of Robbins’ most remarkable skills as a lawyer was his ability to cross-examine witnesses. This skill is also reflected in the courtroom scenes of The President’s Lawyer. Robbins’ former colleague, Edward Friedman, explained that Robbins was “an awesome cross-examiner.” In the novel, the defense team uses a technique where they don’t reveal their full strategy during the first hour of questioning. Instead, they carefully lay the groundwork and get the witness to commit to certain propositions before revealing the full force of their argument.
This strategy, which Robbins mastered over his career, is one of the many insights that the novel offers into the art of trial law. The gripping nature of the courtroom scenes in the novel showcases Robbins’ unparalleled understanding of the legal process and his ability to manipulate the course of a trial through strategic questioning.
The Final Chapter: A Legacy That Lives On
Tragically, Robbins passed away shortly after the publication of The President’s Lawyer, but his legacy continues to inspire lawyers, aspiring authors, and readers alike. His life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams—no matter your age or stage in life. Robbins proved that it’s never too late to take on new challenges and pursue passions outside of your primary career.
In many ways, Robbins’ life reflects the central theme of his novel: the pursuit of justice, the importance of strategic thinking, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Robbins may no longer be with us, but his contributions to the world of law and literature will continue to resonate for years to come.
His work serves as a reminder that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how big or how far-reaching they may seem. Robbins’ story proves that, with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible—even writing a bestselling novel after a legendary legal career.
As Robbins himself once said, “The law is something I’ve loved my entire life. It was only fitting that I could bring it to life in a new way through fiction.”
For those who knew him, admired him, and followed his career, Robbins will always be remembered as more than just a lawyer—he will be remembered as a symbol of what it means to follow your passions and never stop striving for greatness.
Conclusion
Lawrence Robbins’ journey from top litigator to bestselling author is a testament to his remarkable career and his enduring love for the law. The President’s Lawyer offers readers a unique glimpse into the high-stakes world of legal strategy while also showcasing Robbins’ personal passion for storytelling. His story is an inspiration to us all: a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and leave a lasting impact on the world.
