Rob Fortson

Rob Fortson advises schools, education service providers, public-sector clients and regulated businesses on the legal, operational and policy issues that arise when law and government intersect. His education practice focuses on school systems, charter schools and independent schools, where he assists clients with board governance, facilities and leasing, financing, charter applications and renewals, funding issues, employment disputes, special education compliance, student discipline and vendor negotiations.

Rob brings a practical, problem-solving perspective to clients operating in highly regulated environments. He has represented public-sector clients in administrative and regulatory policy matters, bid protests and procurement issues, and legislative lobbying. His broader experience includes healthcare, labor and employment, and regulatory counsel.

Before co-founding Fortson Blalock, Rob was a partner at Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin. Earlier, he was a partner with McGuireWoods LLP and co-chair of its Charter School Group and a senior vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting. Earlier in his career, Rob worked in the legal counsel’s office at the U.S. Department of Education, with the Georgia Municipal Association, and as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash. A former teacher and coach in the Baltimore City School System and a Teach For America alumnus, Rob understands education clients from both the classroom and counsel’s table.

Rob earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif.