Robert Painter is a former hospital administrator. As an attorney, he focuses on getting justice for patients and family members who’ve experienced life-changing injuries or wrongful death because of medical malpractice.

Robert has always been interested in health care. He started his graduate education in medical school and was awarded a full scholarship from the U.S. Army. Midway through medical school, he worried about the direction of health care in America and decided that he could have a more positive impact for patient safety in health law.

Before enrolling at Baylor Law School, though, it was time to repay the U.S. Army. He served two years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army. His main assignment was as a hospital administrator at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Robert excelled at Baylor and was elected to law review and as moot court president. He began his legal career at the prestigious law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski. In his six years there, he worked in the health litigation group, defending hospitals and health care providers. 

In 2006, he devoted his practice to plaintiffs’ medical malpractice lawsuits at Painter Law Firm. He handles all kinds of medical negligence matters, including birth injury, brain injury, anesthesia error, surgical error, hospital error, failure to diagnose, and delayed diagnosis cases.

Many clients and other attorneys pick Robert because of his unique experience in medical school, as a hospital administrator, and defending hospitals and doctors. On top of that, there’s his proven track record of recoveries for his clients.

Education

Baylor University, J.D. (1999)
• Graded on to Baylor Law Review
• President, Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society

Webster University, M.A., Public Administration (1995)

Marshall University, M.D. candidate (1992-1993)
• U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship (full scholarship)
• Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army

West Virginia University, B.A., Biology (1992)

Licensure

• State of Texas (state courts)

• U.S. Supreme Court

• U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas

• U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas

Awards

Avvo Superb 10/10 rating

Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Directory, by Thomson Reuters (2019–2023)

Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers Directory, by Thomson Reuters (2006, 2011)

President’s Award, Houston Bar Association (2014)

AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell (2011–present)

Order of the Polar Star, awarded by Tsakhia Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia (2013)

• Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine (2013–2017)

• Houston’s Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine (2008–2021)

• Texas Pro-Life Lawyer of the Year, Texas Right to Life (2008)

• Houston’s Top Lawyers for the People, H Texas Magazine (2008–2010)

Award of Distinction/Pinnacle Award (for Painter Law Firm PLLC), Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas (2008-2022)

Bar Activities

Board of Directors, Houston Bar Association (2018–present)

• President (2023–2024), Houston Lawyer Referral Service (Board of Directors, 2018–present)

• Chair (2021–2022), Harris County Dispute Resolution Center (Board of Directors, 2018–present)

Treasurer (2023–2024), Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program (Board of Directors, 2022–present)

• Editor-in-Chief, The Houston Lawyer magazine (2013–2015)

• Editorial Board, Texas Bar Journal (2014–2020)

• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation (2013–present)

• Co-Chair, Houston Bar Association Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee (2021–2022)

• Co-Chair, Houston Bar Association Speakers Committee (2020–2021)

• Co-Chair, Houston Bar Association Fee Dispute Committee (2019–2020)

• Co-Chair, Houston Bar Association Law and Media Committee (2018–2019)

• Member, Houston Bar Association Judicial Polls Committee (2016–2017)

• Member, Houston Bar Association Administration of Justice Committee (2015–2016)

• Board Member, Houston Bar Association Litigation Section (2010–2012)

American Association for Justice, member of International Relations Committee & Voter Protection Committee (2014–present)

• Board Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2012)

Houston Trial Lawyers Association

Texas Trial Lawyers Association

State Bar of Texas

Houston Bar Association

Houston Northwest Bar Association

Community Service

• Chairman of the Board of Directors, Texas Repertory Theatre (2014–2015)

• Chairman of the Board of Directors, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce (2011)

• Board of Directors, Houston Baptist University Center for Law & Liberty (2014–present)

• Board of Directors, The Crown College (2012–present)

• Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bellwether Forum (a nonprofit organization that provides political, campaign and public policy programs in the U.S. and abroad) (2002–present)

• Deacon, Christchurch Baptist Fellowship (2003–present, elected chairman in 2008, 2012, 2020)

• Board of Directors, Leadership Houston (2011–2013, Vice Chairman 2013)

Favorite Quote About His Law Practice

Painter is tough as a T. rex.

Houston’s Channel 39 (May 2013)