CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Almost immediately upon joining Lowenstein Sandler in 2004, Rob Kipnees became a leader in the firm’s pro bono program, particularly in the area of criminal justice. Rob’s focus on criminal justice was not surprising given his experience in this area. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, taught white-collar criminal defense as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School for 19 years, authored seven editions of the Criminal Trial Practice textbook for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and appeared as a frequent lecturer on a variety of criminal law-related topics.

Rob was also passionate about giving back to his community and mentoring junior lawyers. This led him to develop a partnership with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender’s Appellate Section, through which he would handle appeals on behalf of indigent criminal defendants. For over a decade, Rob devoted hundreds of hours to supervising criminal appeals referred to the firm through this partnership, and to helping young lawyers develop their appellate advocacy skills. He also actively participated on numerous nonprofit boards and devoted significant time to providing pro bono legal services to nonprofits and religious institutions.

Rob passed away in December 2018. Everyone who worked with him became a better lawyer and many became more thoughtful people. His contributions to the firm and the center live on through his clients, the many lawyers he helped train, and the communities he participated in and supported.