ORLANDO, Fla. — March 10, 2026
Key takeaways
- Robert Sowell has rejoined BakerHostetler’s Orlando office as a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and a member of the Commercial Litigation team.
- Sowell, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, worked in both the Civil and Criminal divisions, handling matters involving cybercrime, money laundering, health care fraud, narcotics trafficking and violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
- Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Sowell was a commercial litigation associate at BakerHostetler.
Why this matters
Robert Sowell is returning to BakerHostetler after four years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Florida, the second most populous federal judicial district in the nation. While working in the Criminal Division, he prosecuted complex cases related to cybercrime, health care fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, firearms and narcotics trafficking. Sowell also worked in the Civil Division, where he litigated affirmative civil claims, including violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute, as well as defended the United States and federal agencies in all phases of litigation against various statutory and constitutional claims. His arrival bolsters BakerHostetler’s impressive group of litigators that includes former U.S. Attorneys Steven Dettelbach, Carole Rendon and Jacqueline Romero.
Key quote
“Rob’s return further strengthens our trial‑ready bench and our ability to handle the most complex, high‑stakes matters our clients face,” said Dettelbach, chair of BakerHostetler’s national Litigation Practice Group. “His experience handling sophisticated criminal and civil matters at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combined with his strong foundation in commercial litigation, enhances our ability to respond quickly, scale effectively and deliver results when it matters most. We are thrilled to welcome Rob back to the firm.”
About Sowell
Sowell brings a wealth of experience in both government and commercial litigation to BakerHostetler’s Orlando office. During his tenure as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Sowell handled cases in a district serving more than 11 million residents across 35 counties. This area comprises 57% of Florida’s total population. The district’s caseloads are notably 20% higher than the national average, underscoring the complexity and volume of the legal matters managed by Sowell during his public service.
As a federal prosecutor, Sowell served as lead trial counsel in many prosecutions and investigations related to wire fraud, tax fraud, cybercrime, health care fraud, money laundering and narcotics trafficking. He also led investigations under the FCA and AKS, including claims brought by qui tam complaint.
Before joining the Department of Justice, Sowell was an associate at BakerHostetler focusing on complex commercial litigation, including business disputes related to fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and intellectual property.
Sowell received his J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and his B.S. from Virginia Tech.
Key quote
“We are delighted to welcome Rob back to our Orlando office and the Litigation Practice Group,” said James Etscorn, managing partner of the Orlando office. “His exceptional understanding of complex litigation, combined with extensive government and prosecutorial experience in one of the nation’s largest districts, makes him an outstanding addition to our premier litigation team.”
With more than 420 litigators in offices coast to coast, BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group represents market-leading clients in virtually every type of case and proceeding, nationally and around the world. The group’s roster of litigators includes former prosecutors, veteran civil trial attorneys and former enforcement officials from various government agencies. Recognized as a go-to law firm for its deep bench, commitment to client needs and tenacity and named by BTI four years in a row as “Most Feared in Litigation,” BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group successfully protects clients in and out of the courtroom. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com/Litigation. Connect with us on LinkedIn at @BakerHostetler, @SteveDettelbach, @JamesEtscorn or @RobertSowell or on the social platform X at @BakerHostetler.
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About BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler helps clients around the world address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. Our highly ranked attorneys deliver sophisticated counsel and outstanding client service. We have six core practice groups — Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation and Tax — and more than 1,000 lawyers coast to coast. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com.
