Robert K. McBride

A Partner-in-Charge of Taft’s Northern Kentucky office and a partner in the Washington, D.C. office, Bob defends individuals and businesses in regulatory and white-collar criminal matters. As lead attorney, he conducts internal investigations for both domestic and foreign conglomerates facing regulatory inquiries, and is known for excellence in strategically and efficiently resolving high profile cases under intense public scrutiny.

Prior to joining Taft, Bob served as an Assistant United States Attorney and United States Navy, Judge Advocate General. Bob has built a reputation as a transformative leader and strategic litigator, experienced in prosecuting and defending complex and landmark cases involving national security and critical infrastructure, financial and healthcare fraud, money laundering, federal tax violations, civil forfeiture, violations of the Export Control Act, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and False Claims Act.

Before joining Taft, Bob served as an AUSA in the Eastern District of Kentucky for over 15 years, culminating in a Supervisory AUSA role managing all aspects of the Northern Kentucky branch. He also served as the District’s National Security Prosecutor, Anti-Terrorism Counsel, and Chief of the District’s Criminal Division.

• Conducted internal investigation into potential FCPA violation on behalf of global automobile manufacturer headquartered in Japan with facilities in Kentucky. Investigate whether in violation of FCPA.
• Co-led legal team defending privately held staffing services provider for major healthcare groups during investigation by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Department of State involving alleged false representations.
• Represented US subsidiary of global manufacturer of packaging technologies during US Bureau of Industry & Security investigation into violations of the Iran Sanctions.
• United States v. Marie Antoinette Castelli, 16-cr-33 (EDKY). Defendant pleaded guilty to communicating threats in interstate commerce. Her threats involved several U.S. service members who were engaged in the war on terrorism and their families.
• United States v. Louis Brothers, 14-cr-35 (EDKY). Defendant exported radiation hardened microcircuits to China. He pleaded guilty to violations of Armed Export Control Act and money laundering, and he was subject to forfeiture of significant assets.
• United States v. Meredith L. Lawrence, 11-cr-52 (EDKY). Defendant was convicted at trial of multiple counts of filing false federal tax returns.
• United States v. Ronald E. Weinland, 11-cr-07 (EDKY). Defendant was convicted at trial of multiple counts of federal income tax evasion arising out of his use of a non-profit organization to conceal personal income.
• United States v. Spectrum Interiors, et al., 07-cr-85. (EDKY). CEO of Spectrum Interiors pleaded guilty personally and on behalf of the corporation to violations of harboring aliens without status in the United States. CEO was sentenced to a term of imprisonment, and the corporation was subject to a money judgment of $2,000,000.00.

Author, “Pulsifer v. United States: The Statutory Interpretation Rubber Hits the Criminal Law Road,” The Federalist Society, April 2, 2024.

Co-author, “DOJ’s Shot Across the Bows of Corporate Counsel,” Taft Law Bulletin, March 10, 2022.

Speaker, Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Annual Conference and Criminal Defense Seminar, April 26, 2019.

“Federal Export Control Law Carrying Criminal Sanctions — A Brief Overview,” Kentucky Bar Association, Bench and Bar Magazine, May 2014.