About Robert A. Shives, Jr.
Appointed to dozens of AAA and ICDR panels—covering IP, cloud storage, consumer protection, AI, crypto, auto finance, and more.
Led legal strategy for companies across the U.S., Europe, and Asia—including AT&T, Fujitsu, and Shinko Electric.
Negotiated and advised on hundreds of transactions—ranging from B2B tech procurement and IP licensing to automotive marketing alliances.
Thought leader and speaker—on bias in arbitration, AI and dispute resolution, and diversity in ADR.
Neutral. Strategic. Experienced.
Robert Shives, Jr., is a seasoned arbitrator and former global general counsel with over 40 years of experience in cross-sector legal and business matters. His work spans industries and continents—from Silicon Valley to Europe to Asia—resolving disputes with clarity, fairness, and business acumen.
ADR Focus & Philosophy
Today, Rob leads Cobbs Creek ADR. He is equally comfortable working as lead arbitrator or co-panelist, and has represented both global corporations and individual parties as in-house counsel in litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
His nuanced understanding of IP, employment, privacy, marketing, and procurement agreements adds depth to his work as a neutral.
Rob has been appointed as a Panel Arbitrator to dozens of commercial and consumer cases across sectors including:
Information Technology
Telecommunications
Cloud Storage & E-Commerce
Commercial Sales & Finance
IP & Licensing
B2B Sales & Marketing
Supply Chain Management
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Independent Arbitrator, AAA-ICDR Panelist (2019–present)
V.P. & CLO, Coen Family Auto Group
General Counsel, Shinko Electric America
Associate General Counsel, Fujitsu Americas
Managing Director, Fujitsu Global
Senior Counsel, AT&T
Law Clerk, U.S. District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania
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Oversaw operations in France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
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Guided complex licensing, procurement, M&A, data privacy, marketing law, and sponsorship agreements.
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JD, Stanford Law School (Assoc. Editor, Stanford Journal of International Law)
B.A.. Wesleyan University
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American Bar Association (Dispute Resolution)
California International Arbitration Council (Board Member)
International Centre for Dispute Resolution (California Advisory Committee)
Association of Corporate Counsel (Past President, SF Chapter)
Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce
Speaking Engagements & Industry Impact
U.C. Berkeley Law School, 2024
“A Day in the Life of an International Arbitrator”
CPR—New Orleans, 2023
”Bias Busters: Implicit Bias and Selection of Neutrals”
AAA-ICDR—Los Angeles, 2023
“International Dispute Resolution in Key Industries”
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, 2023
“AI & Conflict Resolution”
JAMS, 2021
“Diversity in ADR”
After crisscrossing the country and the globe for his career, Rob now lives in Henderson, NV. The firm is named after the historic neighborhood in West Philadelphia where he grew up.
The name, “Cobbs Creek ADR” serves to reflect deep roots in fairness, strategy, and sound judgment.
WHY “COBBS CREEK?”