Tampa law firm poaches top litigator

TAMPA -- The Broad and Cassel law firm welcomes a familiar face back to its Tampa office, naming Robert Sickles managing partner.

Sickles was a part of the Miami-based law firm's automotive industry team between 2000 and 2009, and was named a partner during that tenure. He joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Tampa after that, working as a partner for six years, according to a release.

Broad and Cassel wooed Sickles back. “Our Tampa office is in a period of growth," firm Chairman C. David Brown says in a release, "and we're extremely pleased to have Rob back to join our team in Tampa."

Sickles has represented clients in many aspects of the auto industry, including serving as counsel for more than 250 licensed car dealerships statewide. He recently expanded that representation into Georgia and Ohio.

Sickles currently serves as outside general counsel to a number of franchise and independent auto dealers, as well as the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association.

Beyond automotive, Sickles also has worked class action defense and complex litigation.

The Tampa office has 12 attorneys, according to the firm's website. It includes current state Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, who is set to become House speaker in 2016.