Robert W Emerson

Robert W Emerson has been the Huber Hurst professor of business law at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business Administration since 2000. He was the chair of the management and legal studies Department from 2006 to 2010. Previously, he was an associate professor of business law and legal studies from 1994 to 2000 and assistant professor of business law and legal studies from 1988 to 1994.

His research interests include franchising, employment law, insurance, torts, contracts and business litigation.

He received a JD in law at Harvard University in 1982.

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Robert Emerson is the Huber Hurst Professor of Business Law at the Warrington College of Business, an Affiliate Professor at the Center for European Studies, the Editor-in-Chief of the American Business Law Journal, and an executive committee member for the Academy of Legal Studies in Business. A Harvard Law graduate and member of the Maryland bar who practiced commercial litigation, Prof. Emerson has won 14 university teaching awards, seven best article awards from the leading international society of business law professors, and many other research honors, including the lifetime scholar award from the Southeastern Academy of Legal Studies in Business.
The author of several dozen law journal articles and numerous books and chapters, Prof. Emerson researches all aspects of franchise law and international legal procedure. He is the sole North American member, and a Reporter and Editor, for the Academic Council of the 85-nation Union Internationale des Huissiers de Justice (Int’l Assoc. of Judicial Officers). He is an invited speaker for the International Distribution Institute, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Society of Franchising. He has headed or served on numerous legal associations, panels, symposia, and editorial boards, and has lectured undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in several UF colleges as well as at business schools, bar and business organizations, and law schools throughout North America and Europe. Prof. Emerson has collaborated on research with law faculty and legal practitioners from dozens of nations in every continent except Antarctica. He has worked as an arbitrator, board member, advisor, and reviewer, and as a franchise law and legislative consultant, including expert testimony before Congress.
With hats and costumes galore, Prof. Emerson is known for his dramatic approach to teaching, including videos, art, dance, poetry, music, and improv. He has appeared in several local drama and dance productions, including paid performances both in film and live theatre.