Anthony A. Froio

Tony Froio is a seasoned trial lawyer, Chair of the Executive Board, and Managing Partner at Robins Kaplan. His legal expertise covers a broad spectrum of complex litigation, including financial services, intellectual property and trademark infringement, employment, bankruptcy litigation, and general commercial disputes. Since joining Robins Kaplan in 1994, Tony has represented a wide range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies to individuals, navigating landmark cases that have not only advanced the interests of his clients, but also contributed to meaningful industry changes.

Under Tony’s leadership, Robins Kaplan has solidified its reputation as a premier trial firm known for its historic trial victories and its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and forward-thinking. As just the fifth partner to serve as chair in the firm's 85-year history, he has been instrumental in steering the firm's strategic direction, ensuring it remains at the forefront of legal practice and innovation. His leadership has been evident in his tenure as the Boston Office's Managing Partner for twenty years, where he has spearheaded the office's strategic plan, growth and recent expansion into a new 17,000-square-foot space in the Prudential Building in the heart of Boston's Back Bay.

Tony has held numerous influential positions within the legal community, including serving on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the executive committee of the Boston Bar Association, co-chairing the litigation section, and acting as a council member. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is highlighted by his role as an executive committee member and former president of the Boston Bar Foundation, where he has played a vital role in organizing the annual Beacon Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Tony has also been involved in the Boston Lawyers Group, an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement and retention of attorneys of color.

In addition to his strategic and community leadership roles, Tony is deeply committed to mentorship within Robins Kaplan. He has been a guiding force for many young lawyers, helping them hone their skills and develop their practices, while also developing the next generation of rainmakers and mentors. His approach to leadership is characterized by a blend of inspiration, guidance, and a steadfast commitment to the firm's core values.

Education

• Suffolk University Law School, J.D. cum laude (1989), Trial Advocacy Award
• College of the Holy Cross, B.A., cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Dana Scholar

Languages

Representative Matters

Successfully represented President and CEO of a for-profit private College in a partnership dispute arbitration and related litigation resulting in a multi-million dollar purchase of one-hundred percent of LLC membership interest.

Outside General Counsel for leading window manufacturer in various warranty and product liability matters.

Represented Leading U.S. skylight manufacturer in consumer products safety commission matter.

Represented Fortune 100 Company controls manufacturer in wrongful death products liability action.

Great Clips, Inc. v. Hair Cuttery of Greater Boston, L.L.C. and Great Cuts, Inc.:  Summary judgment granted to client, Great Clips, Inc., against declaratory judgment defendant Great Cuts which had made claims of trademark infringement following Great Clips’ entry into the New England market.  On February 19, 2009, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts found that a previous  settlement agreement barred Great Cuts’ claims.  On January 5, 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the previous ruling by the District Court confirming Great Clips’ right to use its trademarked name throughout the United States, including the New England market.
Lead counsel representing multi-national/Fortune 500 company in the defense and dismissal of a patent infringement action.
Co-lead counsel in representation of Fortune 100 company in patent infringement action involving liquid crystal display technology.
Defended Fortune 1000 company in defense of a multi-million dollar litigation, involving employment, healthcare and business litigation claims.
Obtained multi-million dollar exception to discharge in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceeding on behalf of a Commercial Bank from Houston, Texas.
Co-counsel in trial of an architectural malpractice claim on behalf of a major Boston developer resulting in a $1.3 million verdict.
Defended the seller of a major ambulance company in a breach of contract action involving claims in excess of $1 million.

Represented fiduciaries in dismissal of a multi-million dollar estate dispute in Massachusetts Probate and Superior Court.

Represented Boston-based insurance company in dismissal of a multi-million dollar financial claim in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Represented a dental manufacturing company in a multi-million dollar trademark action and resulting adversary proceeding in Chapter 11 proceeding.

General Counsel to Daniel F. Duquette Sports Academy.

United States Counsel to VKR Holdings, f/k/a Velux Corporation.

• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2013-2025 editions)
• Listed in "500 Leading Litigators in America," Lawdragon (2025)
• Named a “Massachusetts Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers (2007-2024)
• Named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Pro Bono Honor Roll (2023)
• Inducted into the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame for exceptional contributions (2012)
• Inducted into the Holy Name Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame (2009)

Civic

• Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts (2009-present)
• Holy Cross Varsity Club in Worcester, Massachusetts, former President and current Treasurer
• Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Chair of Personnel Board
• Holy Cross Diamond Club, Co-Founder

Professional

• Massachusetts Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Worcester Bar Association
• Appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to the State’s Judicial Nominating Committee.
• Boston Bar Association, Executive Committee (2012-2014), Litigation Section, Co-Chair (2010-2011) and Council Member (2012-2015)
• Boston Bar Foundation, Executive Committee, Trustee and Fellows Committee, and Development Committee, Chair
• Boston Patent Law Association
• Boston Bar Association Law Firm Leadership Forum, Chair (2019 -2023)

Speeches

• The Judiciary And The Bar: Reviving The Bar's Critical Role In Preserving The Independence Of The Judiciary
  Democracy's Last Line of Defense, Boston, MA (March 14, 2024)
• Representations of Wealth Planning and Conflict in Film and Literature: What Can We Learn from Such Depictions?
  Robins Kaplan LLP Wealth Planning, Administration, and Disputes Annual CLE, Webinar (October 7, 2020)
• De Risk Business Process Automation
  Genus Technologies, Webinar (April 25, 2019)

Media Mentions

• Law.com, "How I Made Law Firm Leadership: 'Learn to Be Both Comfortable and Confident in Your Decisions,' Says Anthony Froio of Robins Kaplan" (September 4, 2024)
• Community Advocate, "Building the Next Generation of Law Firm Leaders" (June 17, 2024)
• Above The Law, "Robins Kaplan's Managing Partner Shares Insights On What It's Like To Work At A True Trial Firm" (May 6, 2024)
• Lawdragon, "Anthony Froio Elected Chair of Board, Managing Partner of Robins Kaplan" (March 22, 2024)
• Minnesota Lawyer, "Robins Kaplan Elects New Board Chair, Managing Partner" (March 15, 2024)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, "Robins Kaplan Names Chairman, Leaders For Minneapolis, Boston Offices" (March 14, 2024)
• Bloomberg Law, "Froio Takes the Reins at Robins Kaplan as New Managing Partner" (March 12, 2024)
• Law360, "Robins Kaplan Elevates Trial Pro To Managing Partner, Chair" (March 12, 2024)