About Robert Francis
Robert Francis Landheer studied European history as an undergraduate before turning to the law. He received a B.A. in European History from Oberlin College in 1970 and completed his legal education at New College School of Law of California, earning a J.D. in 1979. Those formative years appear to have shaped both his analytical approach and the cadence of his courtroom style.
After law school Landheer built a practice that has spanned state and federal courts. He is admitted to practice in California and has argued matters before the Ninth Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Those admissions reflect a career that includes litigation in a variety of trial and appellate forums.
Landheer is recognized by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. That certification marks a sustained engagement in criminal law matters and an emphasis on the procedural and substantive rules that govern criminal prosecutions and defenses. Over the years he has handled cases that required close attention to evidence law, sentencing issues and appellate briefing. He has presented oral argument in trial courts and on appeal, where the ability to distill complex factual records into a clear legal narrative is often decisive.
Colleagues describe him as methodical in preparation and direct in advocacy. He has worked on matters that touch both state and federal procedures, navigating differences in practice between trial courts and the appellate benches. His courtroom manner tends to be measured. He favors plain language in filings and argument. That approach reflects his academic background in history, where the narrative thread matters as much as the facts themselves.
Today Landheer continues to practice law in California, appearing before state and federal tribunals. He remains an active California practitioner and maintains his board certification in criminal law. He currently practices criminal law, representing clients in state and federal courts.
