Robert L. Shuftan

Robert Shuftan is a partner in Steptoe's Chemical, Environmental and Life Sciences practice group. Bob also serves as lead trial counsel on PFAS litigation and national counsel for clients addressing legacy and current PFAS issues. These include PFAS lawsuits involving claims by public entities for natural resources damage and cost recovery associated with addressing public and private water systems, as well as private claims for medical monitoring and biomonitoring, class actions, personal injury and property damage lawsuits in federal and state courts. As part of this representation, Bob and a team of Steptoe lawyers, on-staff scientists and paralegals have developed an extensive network of consultants and experts on PFAS issues, from chemists and toxicologists to fate and transport, remediation and general environmental resources on all media. Bob serves as lead counsel in the firm’s representation of clients on PFAS investigations, counseling and audit programs.

Bob has more than 40 years of experience representing manufacturers in class actions and mass tort matters that pose industry-wide implications and often involve high profile chemicals with significant public attention and media exposure. One client calls him "bright, articulate, well-versed in the law and handles himself as well on the shop floor as in the Boardroom…The results obtained by Bob and his firm have been nothing short of outstanding." He also serves as a key advisor to top business executives, general counsel, boards of directors and committees. He is experienced in advising clients on reputation management issues related to litigation matters and regulatory requirements. Bob brings substantial leadership to his practice, having served as managing partner of two AmLaw firms over the last two decades.

Bob concentrates his practice in civil litigation where he has experience with a wide range of chemicals and products, including coke and coal-tar based materials, wood preservatives, asbestos, agricultural pesticides, heavy metals, PCBs, solvents, and nanotechnology. Within the pharmaceutical and medical products industry, Bob has a deep understanding of products and medical devices related to treatment of cardiac, orthopedic, thyroid, and arthritis conditions.

Bob serves as national counsel to leading manufacturers and chemical companies and is a key adviser to top business executives, general counsel, and boards of directors. He spends a considerable amount of his time advising clients on reputation management issues related to litigation matters and regulatory requirements. He also counsels clients on proactive product warning and compliance programs. 

Bob serves as co-head and one of the primary contacts for Steptoe's ESG Initiative. He assists clients in a number of industries in creating and executing effective ESG programs that reflect their organizational priorities.