Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.

Corporate Litigation

Robert Burns, director at Richards, Layton & Finger, has litigated numerous corporate control, corporate governance, fiduciary duty, appraisal, and contractual disputes in Delaware’s state and federal courts.  Focusing primarily on corporate and commercial litigation, he represents Delaware corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and their officers, directors, and managers.

Very active in pro bono and civic matters, Rob has served as a child attorney, worked pro bono on the firm’s Protection from Abuse team, and received the Delaware National Guard’s Distinguished Service Medal for helping to represent two charities associated with the Delaware National Guard.

PRACTICES

Corporate & Chancery Litigation

Mergers & Acquisitions

Investigative & Demand Committees

Arbitration & Mediation

Select Experience

Co-lead trial counsel defending a public real estate technology company in several Court of Chancery cases and Delaware Supreme Court appeals of the same

Co-lead trial counsel for national cleaning industry company pursing contract and fraud claims in the Delaware Superior Court

Successfully defended private equity buyer against indemnification and fraud cases at trial in the Court of Chancery

Litigation counsel in several of the largest appraisal actions including the pending In re Appraisal of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., and the successful defense of respondents in In re Appraisal of Jarden, Inc. and In re Appraisal of PetSmart, Inc.

Represented public and private companies in numerous books and records actions

Represented directors and officers in fiduciary duty suits, including class action and derivative cases, in the Delaware Court of Chancery and Delaware Supreme Court

Publications

Delaware Strengthens Its Corporate Law Advantage: What Bankers Need to Know About Senate Bill 21

Delaware Banker   |   Spring 2025

On March 25, 2025, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed Delaware Senate Bill 21 into law, marking a significant moment in the evolution of American corporate law. This bipartisan legislation amends the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL) in response to concerns expressed by Delaware corporations, law firms, and others corporate stakeholders about providing greater clarity and predictability…

Chancery Court Decides First Action Under New Section 205

Delaware Business Court Insider   |   May 7, 2014

On April 1, Trupanion Inc. and its chief executive officer filed what is believed to be the first petition seeking relief in the Delaware Court of Chancery pursuant to Section 205 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In less than a month, the Chancery Court issued a final order in the action, resolving multiple questions relating…

Fiduciary Duties and LLCs: Like Oil or Like Water?

ABA Business Law Section Newsletter   |   December 2012

 Pro Bono Activities

Child Attorney, Delaware’s Office of the Child Advocate

Protection from Abuse Team, Delaware Volunteer Legal Services

Delaware, 2009

United States District Court, District of Delaware, 2010

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2009; Virginia Journal of International Law, Articles Editor

James Madison University, B.A., 2003 Pi Sigma Alpha