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    Robert McLean photograph

    Robert A. McLean

    Senior Partner

    Memphis
    901-257-7241
    robert.mclean@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    LitigationReal EstateEnvironmental

    Robert McLean helps local and regional developers, insurance carriers and public adjusters solve disputes involving commercial transactions, environmental regulations and land use ordinances. With more than 40 years of experience, he has a keen ability to apply litigation skills in transactions, helping to spot the issue that can move resolution forward. He has tried cases involving:

      • Real estate disputes and eminent domain
      • Securities and commodities fraud
      • Environmental and contribution claims
      • Wrongful death
      • Products liability
      • Medical malpractice
      • Will contests
      • Copyright infringement
      • Contract disputes

    Robert is a FINRA arbitrator and licensed Tennessee Rule 31 Mediator. He has served as the Hearing Officer for Shelby County Groundwater Quality Control Board on an appeal by the Sierra Club of two TVA well permits.

    Insights

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    Recognition

    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Commercial Litigation (2013-2025), Litigation – Environmental (2013-2025), Litigation – Real Estate (2013-2025), Litigation – Securities (2013-2025), "Lawyer of the Year" Securities (2020), “Lawyer of the Year” Litigation – Real Estate (2017, 2019), “Lawyer of the Year” Litigation – Environmental (2016), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers (2014-2023)
    • Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
    • Fellow, Memphis Bar Foundation
    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Commercial Litigation (2013-2025), Litigation – Environmental (2013-2025), Litigation – Real Estate (2013-2025), Litigation – Securities (2013-2025), "Lawyer of the Year" Securities (2020), “Lawyer of the Year” Litigation – Real Estate (2017, 2019), “Lawyer of the Year” Litigation – Environmental (2016), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers (2014-2023)
    • Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
    • Fellow, Memphis Bar Foundation

    Education

    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., 1978
    • Princeton University, Ph.D., 1974
    • Princeton University, M.A., 1968
    • Rhodes College, B.A., 1965
    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., 1978
    • Princeton University, Ph.D., 1974
    • Princeton University, M.A., 1968
    • Rhodes College, B.A., 1965

    Credentials

    • Tennessee
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
    • French
    • Russian
    • Tennessee
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
    • French
    • Russian

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional

      • Memphis Bar Association
      • Tennessee Bar Association
      • American Bar Association

    Civic

      • City of Germantown, Tennessee – Assistant City Attorney, Counsel to Design Review Commission

    Professional

      • Memphis Bar Association
      • Tennessee Bar Association
      • American Bar Association

    Civic

      • City of Germantown, Tennessee – Assistant City Attorney, Counsel to Design Review Commission
    • Overview
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Litigation
    • Real Estate
    • Environmental
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Insurance
    • Mediation
    • Insurance
    • Real Estate and Construction
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