Education

  • J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School
  • B.S., U.S. Naval Academy

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee

Selected Experience

  • Defense of a high profile, privately-held corporation in a federal criminal investigation related to an alleged conspiracy to defraud customers in excess of $50 million
  • Defense of numerous aviation component manufacturers in civil aircraft accidents with fatalities
  • Representation of a local, privately-held company in nationally-publicized employment crisis
  • Representation of a well-known country music entertainer in dispute over his contract with a recording label
  • Representation of an independent record label in contract dispute with former artist
  • Defense of a nationally recognized state university defending a Title IX lawsuit
  • Representation of a relator in a False Claims Act action that resulted in a multi-million-dollar settlement
  • Representation of two large home healthcare companies defending False Claims Act actions
  • Representation of high-profile defendants in state court criminal trials
  • Representation of a management employee in alleged embezzlement case with federal criminal and civil implications
  • Defense of a corporate officer in securities fraud litigation
  • Defense of insurance-steering actions on behalf of large, locally-owned auto body shop
  • Defense of $610,000 federal criminal wire-fraud and mail fraud criminal charges
  • Defense of numerous national airlines in contract disputes and injury cases
  • Defense of helicopter components manufacturers in product liability case arising out of two fatal accidents in Iraq
  • Representation of a prominent music group in contract dispute with manager both in federal district court and as an appellee before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America (Bet-The-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation, 2019-2022)
  • Nashville Business Journal 2015 Veterans Award
  • Mid-South SuperLawyer (2019-2022)
  • “AV” Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

Publications

  • Combatants Status Review Tribunals and the Unique Nature of the War on Terror, 58 Vand. L. Rev. 1629 (October 2005)

Professional Activities

  • Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law Class of 2015
  • Harry Phillips American Inn of Court
  • U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association
  • Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity
  • Nashville Bar Association
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Nashville Bar Association Chancery and Circuit Court Committee Co-Chair (2021-present)

Civic Activities

  • Economic Club of Nashville
  • Board of Directors, Chenoweth Homeowners Association
  • Brentwood High School Athletic Booster Club
  • Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
  • Board of Directors, Brentwood Ball Club

Rob enjoys a diverse practice focused on complex litigation, and he handles both criminal defense and civil trials. Rob’s experience includes representing clients in breach of contract lawsuits, business torts, aviation-related litigation, entertainment litigation, white-collar criminal defense, False Claims Act defense and prosecution, products liability lawsuits, construction litigation, crisis management, and internal investigations. Before entering the civil practice of law, Rob served in the U.S. Marine Corps, first flying the F/A-18D as a flight officer, followed by service as a Judge Advocate senior prosecutor and law center director. While on duty, Rob deployed three times, serving in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Iraqi Freedom. Prior to joining Sims|Funk, Rob was a partner at a prominent, full-service Nashville law firm.

Rob graduated Order of the Coif from Vanderbilt Law School, where he was Associate Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review and served on the Moot Court Board. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, earning a Bachelor of Science (with Merit) in Mechanical Engineering.

Recent News

Sims|Funk added to the Nashville Business Journal's "Largest Law Firms in Nashville" list for 2024

Sims Funk, PLC was featured in the Nashville Business Journal’s “Largest Law Firms in Nashville” list for 2024. This list ranks offices in Middle Tennessee by number of local attorneys.  Follow Sims Funk, PLC on LinkedIn for news, informative content, firm announcements, and more!

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Sims|Funk Prevails On Important Issue of First Impression

Scott Sims recently secured victory for the largest credit union in the Mid-South in a dispute with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions as to whether Tennessee law permits a federal credit union to purchase all or substantially all of the assets of a Tennessee-chartered bank. The Chancery Court for Davidson County granted summary judgment […]

Business Today Recognizes Two Sims|Funk Attorneys as Top Rated in Nashville

Sam Funk and Scott Sims are highlighted in Business Today’s list of Top 10 Highly Influential Commercial Litigation Lawyers in Nashville. This list profiles each litigator by their strengths, accomplishments, and recognitions as they deal with extremely diverse and complex cases.

Best Law Firms Recognizes Sims|Funk in Three Tiers

Sims|Funk has received three top tier rankings in the 14th Edition (2024) of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Tier 1 “Bet-the-Company” Litigation Tier 1 Commercial Litigation Tier 1 Litigation- Securities Firms are recognized for professional excellence with ratings from clients and peers. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must first […]