US Ambassador Fannin Returns To Phoenix and Steptoe With Expanded World View

Phoenix, AZ – The former ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Paul Robert “Bob” Fannin, has returned to his hometown of Phoenix, AZ, to resume his law practice at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, an international law firm.  He is returning as senior counsel and will join Steptoe’s Business Solutions Department.

“Bob offers our clients expertise that will help them as they expand into global markets,” said Karl M. Tilleman, the managing partner of the Phoenix office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.  “His experiences and contacts will further expand our services to and relationships with clients as they seek new business opportunities.”  While serving as ambassador Mr. Fannin led a 500-employee embassy that included members of 17 government agencies.  His experience working with the US government, helping achieve government objectives while coordinating its relations with commercial enterprises and foreign governments, will allow him to bring special insights to the firm and its clients.

Ambassador Fannin served as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP for eight years before leaving in 2007 after being appointed US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic by President Bush. 

“My service as a US Ambassador opened my world view and enlightened me in ways that I believe will be good for the firm and our clients,” Fannin said. “There’s no mistaking the Dominican Republic faces many challenges.  The ability and agility of this society to progress in the face of these economic and social difficulties was inspiring and a testament to the resilience of the people of the Dominican Republic”

As the US works through its own economic struggles and the far-reaching impact, Tilleman said it’s clear that Fannin returns to the firm “humbled by the challenges he witnessed in the Dominican Republic.”

“The knowledge Bob gained from helping navigate US relationships abroad will make him a better attorney, but the relationships he developed along the way and the larger experience lends insightful and valuable context to his counsel,” Tilleman said.

Ambassador Fannin has served on the board of directors and executive committee of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and numerous committees of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.  He was chairman of the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament and served as Big Chief of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. He also served on committees under several Arizona governors, including the Governor’s Strategic Partnership for Economic Development, the Plan B Task Force (stadium financing) and Growing Smarter. As chairman and member of the Governor’s Motion Picture and Television Advisory Board, he actively promoted film and television production in Arizona.  He also served as a director and officer of two financial institutions.

Ambassador Fannin has been an active member of the Arizona State Bar where he served 14 years as co-chair of a legal education program, and he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arizona State University College of Law in 1995. He was appointed by the Supreme Court of Arizona in 1991 to serve on the State Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials.  He is an emeritus board member and former Chair of the Barrow Neurological Institute Foundation. He also has served as a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Ambassador Fannin received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University in 1957.  He received his juris doctorate from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona in 1963 where he was an active member of the Law Review.  In addition, he served on active duty for three years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With over 500 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.