Bob Gill
Renowned Legal Expert and Dedicated Advocate
With over four decades of experience in both prosecution and defense, I am dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and ensuring justice is served.
Bob Gill is recognized by his peers as one of the preeminent criminal law attorneys in North Texas. As a retired state criminal district court judge, he has devoted his entire thirty-four-year legal career to the practice of criminal law. In addition to nearly 15 years on the bench, Bob served over 17 years as an assistant criminal district attorney in Tarrant County, from 1981 through 1992 and again from 2008 through 2014.
During his career, Bob has been involved in some of the most complicated and high-profile criminal cases in Tarrant and surrounding counties. He has successfully tried numerous death penalty cases both as a judge and as a prosecutor, as well as cases involving a wide range of other criminal offenses. As a judge, he presided over more than 500 jury trials of felony cases, and as a prosecutor, he handled hundreds more.
In addition to being Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, Bob has also written and lectured extensively on criminal law topics. His contributions to the field are further evidenced by his memberships and accolades:
- State Bar of Texas, Member, 1981 - Present
- Tarrant County Bar Association, Member
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow, 2013 – Present
- Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member
- Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Former Member
As a criminal defense attorney, Bob is committed to providing effective, quality representation to each and every one of his clients. Known for his extensive knowledge of criminal law, diligent preparation, and top-notch courtroom skills, he is the right choice for your important case.
Bob's unwavering commitment to the practice of criminal law and his exceptional skills make him a highly respected and trusted figure in the legal community.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney – Tarrant County (1981-1992 and 2008-2014) Bob Gill served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Tarrant County, where he gained extensive experience in prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases. His dedication to justice and skill in the courtroom earned him a reputation as a formidable prosecutor.
Private Practice (Since January 2015) Since transitioning to private practice in January 2015, Bob has continued to apply his vast legal knowledge and courtroom experience to defend clients in various criminal matters. His commitment to providing exceptional legal representation has made him a trusted advocate for his clients.
Presiding Judge, 213th Criminal District Court (January 1993 – May 2007) Bob served as the Presiding Judge of the 213th Criminal District Court, where he presided over numerous high-profile and complex criminal cases. His tenure as a judge was marked by a fair and balanced approach to justice, earning him the respect of both his peers and the community.
Presiding Judge over Tarrant County Criminal Courts (1997) In addition to his role in the 213th Criminal District Court, Bob was appointed as the Presiding Judge over all Tarrant County Criminal Courts in 1997. This role demonstrated his leadership abilities and comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
Local Administrative Judge – Tarrant County (1997-1998 and 2003-2004) Bob also served as the Local Administrative Judge for Tarrant County, overseeing the administration of the county's judicial system. His leadership during these terms was instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.
Board Certified in Criminal Law (Since 1988) Bob has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1988, a testament to his expertise and dedication to the field of criminal law. This certification is a mark of his professional excellence and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal practice.
Approved for Death Penalty Cases in the 8th Administrative Judicial Region Bob is approved to handle death penalty cases in the 8th Administrative Judicial Region, reflecting his capability and experience in dealing with the most serious and complex criminal matters. This approval underscores his proficiency and the trust placed in him by the judicial system.
State Bar of Texas, Member (1981 - Present) Bob Gill has been a proud member of the State Bar of Texas since 1981, actively participating in its initiatives and upholding the standards of the legal profession in Texas.
Tarrant County Bar Association, Member As a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association, Bob engages with local legal professionals to promote justice and provide valuable resources and support to the legal community.
Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow (2013 – Present) In 2013, Bob was honored to become a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. This esteemed position reflects his commitment to supporting the foundation’s mission of advancing justice through philanthropy and service.
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member Bob's membership in the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association allows him to collaborate with fellow defense attorneys and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in criminal defense.
Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Former Member During his tenure as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Bob was an active member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. This membership provided him with valuable resources and professional development opportunities, enhancing his prosecutorial skills and knowledge.
Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, Current Trends in Forensic Science (2015) Bob Gill explored the latest developments in forensic science, enhancing his understanding and application of forensic evidence in legal proceedings.
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Capital Seminar (May 2015) Attending this seminar allowed Bob to deepen his knowledge of capital defense strategies, equipping him to better handle complex capital cases.
Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office Grand Rounds, Digital Forensics (April 2015) This session on digital forensics provided Bob with valuable insights into the evolving field of digital evidence, crucial for modern legal practice.
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Digital Forensics (March 2015) Bob gained further expertise in digital forensics, an essential area for defending clients in an increasingly digital world.
Tarrant County Young Lawyers, When Lawyers Run For Office: Ethical Considerations of Political Campaigns (2013) This seminar focused on the ethical considerations for lawyers running for public office, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional integrity.
The Center For American And International Law, Capital and Non-Capital Training For The Prosecution (2013) Participating in this training enhanced Bob's prosecutorial skills, particularly in handling both capital and non-capital cases.
The Center For American And International Law, Emerging Trends in Capital Trial Prosecution (2012) Bob stayed abreast of the latest trends and strategies in capital trial prosecution, ensuring his approach remains current and effective.
Louisiana District Attorneys Association, Electronic Discovery (2012) This session on electronic discovery provided Bob with the skills to manage and utilize electronic evidence effectively in legal cases.
State Bar of Texas, Advanced Criminal Law Course (2011) Attending this advanced course allowed Bob to further refine his criminal law practice, staying updated with the latest legal developments.
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association, Video Evidence Symposium and Training Conference (2011) Bob gained critical knowledge on the use and interpretation of video evidence, a vital component in many legal cases.
The Center For American And International Law, Actual Innocence: Establishing Innocence or Guilt (2010) This seminar focused on the critical task of establishing innocence or guilt, reinforcing the importance of meticulous legal investigation.
Course Director—State Bar of Texas, Advanced Criminal Law Course, Death Penalty Workshop (2010) As a course director, Bob led workshops on the intricacies of death penalty cases, sharing his expertise with fellow legal professionals.
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Sexual Assault Conference (2010) Bob attended this conference to enhance his understanding and handling of sexual assault cases, ensuring compassionate and effective representation.
Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Annual Criminal and Civil Law Update (2010) Staying updated with the annual legal updates, Bob ensured his practice remained aligned with the latest changes in criminal and civil law.
State Bar of Texas, Advanced Criminal Law Course (2010) This advanced course further honed Bob's skills and knowledge in criminal law, enabling him to provide top-tier legal representation.
Tarrant County Bar Association, Ethical Practice of Criminal Law in Tarrant County (2010) Bob explored ethical practices in criminal law within Tarrant County, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining high ethical standards.
Course Director—State Bar of Texas, Advanced Criminal Law Course, Death Penalty Workshop (2009) As a course director, Bob played a pivotal role in educating peers on the complexities of death penalty cases.
Tarrant County Bar Association, Trial by Movie (2009) This innovative seminar used movies to explore trial strategies and courtroom techniques, providing a unique perspective on legal practice.
Texas Center for the Judiciary, Capital Murder Seminar (2008) Bob deepened his knowledge of capital murder cases, an area demanding precision and expertise.
Texas Center for the Judiciary, College For New Judges (2006) Attending this college prepared Bob for judicial responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of fairness and judicial ethics.
National Judicial College, Managing the Capital Case in Texas (2006) This course provided Bob with the skills to manage capital cases effectively, ensuring justice is served in the most serious of matters.
Texas Center for the Judiciary, Criminal Justice Conference (2006) Bob stayed updated with the latest developments in criminal justice, ensuring his practice remains informed and effective.
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, Death Penalty Law (2005) This course deepened Bob's understanding of death penalty law, an area requiring specialized knowledge and sensitivity.
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Rusty Duncan Criminal Law Seminar (2000) Attending this seminar enhanced Bob's criminal law practice, providing valuable insights and strategies.
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Attacking Forensic Evidence and Child Abuse Seminar (2001) Bob gained expertise in challenging forensic evidence and handling child abuse cases, ensuring thorough and effective defense.
Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, Current Trends in Forensic Science (2001) This seminar provided updated knowledge on forensic science trends, critical for modern legal practice.
Criminal Justice Advocacy Institute, Jury Selection (1995) Bob enhanced his skills in jury selection, an essential aspect of trial strategy.
Leadership Colleyville, The Tarrant County Justice System (1995) This program offered Bob insights into the Tarrant County justice system, enriching his understanding and approach to local legal practice.
Texas Municipal Courts Training Center, Felony Court Jurisdiction (1993) Bob gained expertise in the jurisdictional nuances of felony courts, crucial for effective legal practice.
State Bar of Texas, Sex Drugs and DNA: Use and Abuse of Scientific Evidence (1991) This seminar focused on the critical examination of scientific evidence, enhancing Bob's ability to scrutinize and utilize such evidence in cases.
Juvenile Justice Seminar, Gangs Update (1991) Bob updated his knowledge on juvenile justice and gang-related issues, essential for handling cases involving young offenders.
State Bar of Texas, Advanced Criminal Law Course (1990) This advanced course refined Bob's criminal law skills, ensuring top-tier representation for his clients.
State of Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, DNA Fingerprinting (1990) Bob gained expertise in DNA fingerprinting, a crucial tool in modern forensic investigations.
State Bar of Texas, Practice Skills Course (1989) This course enhanced Bob's practical legal skills, ensuring comprehensive and effective legal practice.
Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Prosecutor Trial Skills Course (1988-1992) These courses refined Bob's prosecutorial trial skills, equipping him to handle complex and challenging cases effectively.
Texas Criminal Lawyers Handbook – James Publishing (Updated annually) Bob Gill contributes annually to the Texas Criminal Lawyers Handbook, providing up-to-date legal insights and practical guidance for criminal defense attorneys.
Texas Criminal Forms – James Publishing (Updated annually) Bob also contributes to Texas Criminal Forms, offering essential forms and templates to streamline legal processes for practitioners across Texas.
Interview Rooms: Design for Safety and Utility—The Police Chief, The Professional Voice of Law Enforcement (November 2013, International Association of Chiefs of Police) In this article, Bob explored the design and functionality of interview rooms to ensure safety and efficiency, contributing to the professional discourse on law enforcement practices.
DNA Testing Handbook For Prosecutors – Texas District and County Attorneys Association (1990) Bob authored the DNA Testing Handbook for Prosecutors, providing critical guidance on the use of DNA evidence in legal proceedings, a vital resource for prosecutors.
Preparing A Case For Trial—Texas Prosecutor’s DWI Trial Manual (1989) In this manual, Bob outlined effective strategies and considerations for preparing DWI cases for trial, aiding prosecutors in achieving successful outcomes.