Robert “Bob” Pickett was the first to greet every new employee with a smile, a handshake, and a conversation that put a new associate or staff member at ease. This generosity of time and genuine interest in humans are part of what made Bob one of the best attorneys the legal industry has seen. Bob treated his clients, colleagues, and family like they were the number one priority to him and each and every one of them were his number one priority. Bob left this world in November 2023 far too early and far too young. He left behind a beloved wife, Marilyn, five adult children, and one grandson.

Mr. Pickett handled a broad array of litigation matters in state and federal courts, with a practice focused on insurance defense and early resolution of serious trucking accidents. He prosecuted serious personal injury actions and defended liability claims against trucking companies and product manufacturers. Bob served as trucking company investigative team leader for rapid response to fatal and catastrophic accidents. He also led national supervision of local defense counsel for serious bodily injury claims against trucking fleet owners.

In Mr. Pickett’s early career, he served as First Assistant State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit, Florida, responsible for the investigation and prosecution of capital and serious felonies, followed by more than twenty years as trial counsel with large (Holland & Knight), medium (Hartman & Crain) and small (Waddell, Ready & Pickett) law firms. He served as advocate counsel or mediator in more than five-hundred mediations.

Mr. Pickett graduated law school from Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 1975) where he received the Raphael Steinhardt Scholarship Award. This award is given to a deserving graduating senior selected by the faculty. The recipient is selected on the basis of his or her character, leadership, and service to the community. From graduation to his passing Bob continued to embody the Raphael Steinhardt values.

For his undergraduate studies in Psychology, Mr. Pickett graduated from the University of Florida (B.A. magna cum laude, 1972) and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious honor society.

Next to his great work as an attorney, Bob’s biggest passion was his four-year-old grandson.

Nobody who met Bob will forget him. He was an important contributor to Taylor Nelson. He is missed daily.