Robert D. Jacobs

Robert D. Jacobs, Managing Shareholder 314.727.0101 jacobs@riezmanberger.com vcard

Robert D. Jacobs’ practice is in the area of Business Law with special emphasis in the areas of Franchise, Distribution and Licensing, Cooperatives, Real Estate, Mergers and Acquisitions and Board Governance. As a member of Riezman Berger’s corporate legal team, Bob represents companies of all sizes from start-ups to multi-million dollar enterprises in a full range of corporate matters and commercial transactions. A significant part of his practice is dedicated to providing corporate governance and franchise regulatory compliance advice to his clients. Bob's practice includes representation of the world’s largest flooring cooperative in connection with a wide variety of legal matters including licensing, franchising, acquisitions, real estate, contracts, corporate governance and legal structure issues. Bob has extensive experience in the area of franchise, distribution and licensing and regularly counsels clients on whether and how to establish new franchise, license and distribution arrangements. He has represented clients in all aspects of this area of law including the development of the franchise concept, the preparation of initial franchise disclosure documents and registration, the drafting and enforcement of franchise agreements, the preparation and negotiation of development agreements, and ongoing franchise compliance. Bob also has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting of trademark licensing agreements, and is also well versed in the laws related to cooperative associations and regularly advises start-up and ongoing cooperative associations as to the requirements of compliance.

Bob, Mark J. Temkin and Christine P. Mace drafted the Missouri Cooperative Associations Act, RS MO §351.1000 through 351.1228 signed into law by Governor Nixon on July 11, 2011 which creates cooperative associations as a new type of business organization to conduct business in the state of Missouri.

Bob also has extensive experience in contract drafting and negotiation in a wide variety of areas including software development and licensing, real estate purchase agreements, leases, employment agreements and prenuptial agreements.

Bob received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tulsa in 1986, and his Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis in 1989. Bob is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois and is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Bob also is a member of the American Bar Association, and its more specialized Forum on Franchising and Section on Intellectual Property. Bob is very active in youth sports and has run several youth sports organizations.